Digital Magazine

AUGUST 2015
07 - Riders’ Top 5 Pet Peeves
08 - Hollister 2015
Quick Throttle MAGAZINE
PO Box 3062 • Dana Point, CA 92629
949-328-3157
[email protected] • www.quickthrottle.com
CONTACT:
[email protected]
[email protected] • [email protected]
instagram.com/quickthrottlemagazine • facebook.com/QuickThrottleMagazine
Survey also finds riders doing some
weird and crazy things on bikes
ERIE, Pa. (July 15, 2015) – For many motorcycle riders, nothing beats the
thrill of maneuvering a powerful steel and chrome machine—hand on the
throttle, wind in the face and curves of the pavement ahead. But motorcycling
has some downsides, according to a national survey commissioned by Erie
Insurance and conducted by Harris Poll.
The online survey, conducted in June, asked nearly 200 U.S. motorcycle
riders to share their top five pet peeves about both other riders and drivers
11 - Latest Products
13 - Lost Highway… Found
14 - Ride & Event Calendar
22 - Gold Rush in No. Nevada
23 - Rumble in the Rubies
24 - Sturgis 75th
27 - Angelic White Trike
28 - Redwood Run 2015
31 - Chrome Pony Rally
33 - Tech Talk
37 - Born Free 6
38 - Ride to NY
ON THE COVER and in the Centerfold:
Sturgis 2015 celebrates 75 years of the
Black Hills Rally. Artwork by MOTORMARC.
8
See more of his work at: www.motormarcart.com
Riders’ Top 5 Pet Peeves about Other Riders PET PEEVE
1.
2.
3.
4.
WRITERS:
CD, Randy Twells, Lisa Dalgaard, Mike Dalgaard,
Gary Mraz, Tom “PIR8” Tinney, Ray Seidel,
Robert Sweeney, Art Hall, “Wild Bill” Saxton
PHOTOGRAPHERS:
Randy Twells, Art Hall, Ron Sinoy, CD, George Childress
WEBMASTER:
Chrome Horse Promotions www.chrome-horse.net
QUICK THROTTLE LLC® 2015 is published monthly and NO reproduction of content is permitted without
Publisher or Editor’s prior written approval. Publisher and Editor assume no financial responsibility for errors in ads
beyond the cost of space occupied by error; a correction will be printed. Publisher is not liable for: any slandering
of an individual, or group as we mean no malice or individual criticism at any time; nor are we responsible for
the opinions or comments of our columnists; and promises, coupons, or lack of fulfillment from advertisers who
are solely responsible for the content of their ads. Publisher and Editor are also to be held harmless from: failure
to produce any issue as scheduled due to reasons beyond our control; all suits. claims or loss of expenses; this
includes but is not limited to, suits for libel, plagarism, copyright infringement and unauthorized use of a persons
name or photograph. Publisher and Editor do not promote excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages. The
Quick Throttle name and logo is owned nationally by Chris and Lisa Dalgaard.
AUGUST 2015
5.
Riders who drive aggressively or recklessly (i.e., speeding,
weaving in and out of traffic, doing wheelies, etc.)
Riders who pass on the shoulder
Riders who engage in “lane splitting”
(riding in between lanes of stopped traffic)
Riders who don’t wear protective gear (i.e., riders who
wear things like shorts, sandals, tank tops, etc.)
Riders who don’t wear helmets
Riders’ Top 5 Pet Peeves about Vehicle Drivers
(cars, trucks, SUVs, etc.)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Drivers who don’t check their blind spots before
changing lanes
Drivers who text while driving
Aggressive or reckless drivers (i.e., speeding,
weaving in and out of traffic)
Drivers who tailgate
Drivers who don’t use signals when turning or
changing lanes
Percent of riders
who list this as a
top 5 pet peeve
1: 56%
2: 41%
3: 36%
4: 35%
5: 28%
Percent of riders
who list this as a
top 5 pet peeve
1: 55%
2: 53%
3: 50%
4: 43%
5: 43%
of four-wheel vehicles, as well as the most common rookie rider mistakes.
It also asked riders to fess up to the craziest, weirdest or most reckless thing
they’d ever done while riding, or seen others do. Needless to say, that question
yielded some quirky results. Top line survey results are summarized below and
shown in this infographic.
“Motorcycle riding can be incredibly fun and invigorating but our survey
results show that riders really need keep their guard up at all times because
there are a lot of hazards out there,” said Cody Cook, vice president and
product manager at Erie Insurance. “It also shows how important it is to have
the right motorcycle insurance to protect both themselves and their bikes. More
than one in 10 riders (11%) admitted to not having any motorcycle insurance.
Riders’ view of Top 5 Rookie Rider Mistakes
1. Assuming other drivers can see them
2. Wanting to show off or impress others
3. Buying a bike that’s more powerful than they
can handle
4. Not taking a riding or safety course (TIE)
4. Riding on high traffic roads too soon before
they’re comfortable maneuvering their bike (TIE)
5. Failure to check blind spots28%
Percent of riders
who think new riders
make this mistake
1. 38%
2. 35%
3. 31%
4. 30%
4. 30%
5. 28%
As for the weird, crazy or reckless things
riders said they’ve done or seen others do:
• Several riders said they had stood on the seat with their
hands in the air while speeding down the highway, or
had seen others doing it
• A couple of riders reported seeing others texting while
riding. One said the texter was leaning onto his backseat
and steering with his feet.
• One rider saw an amorous couple riding their bike in a
compromising position.
• One rider said he cruised up behind a woman who had
her bare feet sticking out the passenger seat window of
a car and tickled her feet. He said “She freaked...then
burst out laughing.”
About the survey
About Erie Insurance
The survey was conducted online within the United States by Harris Poll on
behalf of Erie Insurance from June 19-23, & June 25-29, 2015 among 192
motorcycle riders. This online survey is not based on a probability sample
and therefore no estimate of theoretical sampling error can be calculated. For
complete survey methodology, including weighting variables, please contact
Leah Knapp at [email protected].
According to A.M. Best Company, Erie Insurance Group, based in Erie,
Pennsylvania, is the 11th largest homeowners insurer and 12th largest
automobile insurer in the United States based on direct premiums written and
the 16th largest property/casualty insurer in the United States based on total
lines net premium written. News releases and more information about Erie
Insurance Group are available at www.erieinsurance.com.
AUGUST 2015
9
HOLLISTER
FREEDOM
RALLY 2015
Story by: Fred Z., pics by: Fred Z.,
Heidi Priddy, and assorted BFC members
The Hollister Freedom Rally 2015 was an incredible celebration
of motorcycles, motorcyclists, fun, freedom, and many who
were totally enjoying the Biker Lifestyle. While so many of us
are die-hard bikers and we live the lifestyle everyday - the rally
attracted many of the weekend warriors, and included “all
types” of motorcyclists and brands of motorcycles… as well
as those citizens who just wanted to watch all the activities of
this exciting historic city - where much of the “American Biker
Experience” actually began back in the 1940’s.
Moondance, The Charlie Brechtel
Band, and many more.
The weekend had so many activities
– it was hard to take it all in… No
one could complain that there
wasn’t enough to do during the
weekend. They estimate that over
40,000 bikers visited the city for the
weekend. They came in from local
California cities, surrounding U.S.
states, as well as New York and
many other states, and as far away
as Norway and Japan. The rally
attracted motorcycle enthusiasts
from all over the world.
With the new promoter: ConvExx
(the company who puts on the Vegas
Bike Rally”) - at the helm, “the
rally went off really well” this year,
despite the city council’s concerns
about violence or drama. There
also was “a large, extremely visible”
law enforcement team that played
fair and showed respect to the rally
attendees… while they were keeping
track of things & keeping the peace.
ConvExx also brought in some Big
Guns - “Big Name Entertainment”
with the addition of: The Guess
Who (with hits like: American
Woman, These Eyes, and No Sugar,
plus The Fabulous Thunderbirds
that belted out hits like: Tough
Enuff - were real crowd pleasers.
They also strategically brought
in two actors from the hit show
“The Sons of Anarchy” – Tommy
ConvExx and the city provided a lot
of FREE activities that included:
A Custom Bike Show, A Tattoo
Contest, The Ms. Hollister contest,
and even a “Traveling Replica of
The Vietnam Wall”. There were
also some great free concerts with
some awesome bands like: Liquid
Sky, The Full Throttle Band,
10
AUGUST 2015
Flanagan “Chibs” & Mark Boone
Jr. “Bobby Elvis”. In the 6 hours
that Tommy and Mark tag-teamed
the crowd – they were able to meet
and greet over 800 “very excited and
adoring fans” !
ConvExx also provided a V.I.P.
ticket package for $ 100.00 that gave
the attendee over $ 150.00 in value
– including tickets to both concerts,
a V.I.P. meet & greet with the SOA
actors, a lunch coupon, a VIP shirt,
VIP pin, free entry for your custom
bike into the bike show, and a lot
more. It was a great “all inclusive”
value for those who truly wanted
“the whole enchilada experience” of
this awesome Biker Weekend.
Our band “The BFC Full Throttle
Band” played Thurs. night at the
legendary Johnny’s Bar, we did two
concerts at the 5th & San Benito stage
(on both Friday & Saturday), and
we also played at “1st Prebyterian
Church of Hollister” on Sunday
morning. We were told that we
were real crowd pleasers at all of
the venues that we played at. And
as always we had a large army of
almost 50 Bikers for Christ members
from all over the state of California
- who came in to enjoy our band’s
music, as well as minister and help
promote an environment of love,
respect, and God’s peace on the
streets of Hollister.
We’d like to personally thank
Charisse at Johnny’s Bar, Chuck
Scwhartz, Sheldon Kaye and
the rest of the crew at ConvExx
entertainment, and Pastor Mike
Hogg and all of our church friends at
1st Presbyterian Church of Hollister
for inviting us to play and entertain
our fans, and meet so many new
friends. We’re really honored to be
involved in such a great rally.
All in all – the Hollister Freedom
Rally was a real success for the
city, the bikers, and all the fans of
this awesome historically fueled &
legendary Biker Rally. We hope to
see you all again next year.
AUGUST 2015
11
Maverick Air Cleaner
SOMERSET, WIS. -- Designed to deliver an aggressive appearance with
high-flowing performance, the all-new Maverick Air Cleaner for Harley-Davidson™ Big Twin and Sportster models is now available from Crusher™,
the Performance Division of Küryakyn™.
The air cleaner cover shares the same
styling
attributes
as Crusher’s flagship Maverick Series
slip-on mufflers and
2-into-2 full exhaust
systems. The air
cleaner kit features a
high-flow K&N™ filter element with lifetime warranty that’s
semi-exposed by an
aggressively designed
cover machined from high-quality forged aluminum. A stainless steel mesh
screen insert provides additional styling and protection from debris, and the
high-flow radiused inlet to the throttle body on the die-cast back mounting
plate delivers significantly improved airflow versus stock units.
The Crusher Maverick Air Cleaner is available in Satin Black or Chrome
finishes topped off with a brushed stainless steel badge embossed with the
Crusher logo. Full kits include a K&N high-flow filter element, mounting
brackets, and all hardware necessary for installation on the following HarleyDavidson applications: 1991-’15 XL models, ’93-’99 Evo Big Twins with CV
carb, ’99-’15 Twin Cams with CV carb or Delphi EFI, and all ’08-’15 Touring/Trike models.
*Chrome or Satin Black Air Cleaner Kit MSRP: $359.99
*Air Cleaner Assembly Only MSRP: $329.99
*For more information on specific fitment and pricing, visit:
http://www.crusherperformance.com/crusher-performance/crusher-maverick-air-cleaner
Typhoon Custom Wheels
Roll on a storm of style with Typhoon
Custom Wheels in machined Cut Back
Black (P/N 43300351 front, P/N 40900358
rear; $459.95 each) or Mirror Chrome
(P/N 43300350 front, P/N 40900359 rear;
$559.95 each). Each wheel features nine
arching spokes that spin outward from the
hub and blend seamlessly with the rim to
add forward motion, even while standing
still. All Harley-Davidson custom wheels
undergo hundreds of hours of real-world
testing to meet the highest standards of
performance and durability. Installation
requires separate purchase of model-specific Wheel Installation Kit, Sprocket
hardware and Brake Rotor hardware.
Add a tapered tail and sporting profile with the Cafe Solo Seat (P/N 52000168,
$219.95) which pays homage to iconic café racer styling. The one-up design
and the high back pad hold the rider in place and in the bike with hands and
feet reaching naturally to the controls. The low-slung pad and narrow nose
provide a more direct connection to the motorcycle.
12
AUGUST 2015
AUGUST 2015
Crusher Maverick 2-into-2 Full Systems
Now Available!
Somerset, Wis.- The skillfully styled and
acoustically tuned performance-packed Maverick 2-into-2 full systems for Harley-Davidson Dynas, Softails and Sportsters are now
available from Crusher, the all-new Performance Division of Küryakyn.
Experience solid horsepower and torque gains along with a unique, throaty
exhaust note at wide-open throttle with lower decibel levels at cruising speeds.
High-flow louvered core baffles are maintenance free and never need repacking, and optional Sound Reduction Inserts are also available if you’re the
quiet type. Distinct, aggressive styling is highlighted by embossed brushed
stainless steel bands sporting the Crusher word mark that wrap around the
Maverick Series’ signature precision-machined billet aluminum tips with
matte black, high-temp ceramic coating. For more information and to view
the complete Crusher product lineup, visit www.crusherperformance.com.
Secur Products’ Four-in-One Car Charger A
Unique Solution for Roadside Emergencies or
Everyday Travel
Compact gadget keeps digital devices charged, provides lighting for safety, work
Roadside emergencies can happen to anyone at any time, unfortunately
sometimes these things happen at night. Whether it’s a flat tire on the car, a
dead battery, or running out of gas, facing any of these problems in the dark
is difficult. Secur Products has introduced the newest addition to its lineup
of battery banks and emergency devices, the Four-in-One Car Charger. The
SP-4002 is a 12V car charger for USB devices, flashlight, power bank, and
emergency light all in one device.
The Four-in-One Car Charger easily plugs into a cigarette lighter and allows
the user to connect any USB charging cord to the available port. The car
adapter portion of the Four-in-One Car Charger is exposed after removing
the magnetic base of the device. The magnetic base is designed to hold the
flashlight by adhering itself to the side of the car to provide light when changing a tire, or to the hood when it is propped up to illuminate any maintenance
being done.
Rainproof
and
built to travel, the
Four-in-One
Car
Charger provides a
unique solution for
everyday travel or
emergency roadside
situations. Because
of its compact size
the
Four-in-One
Car Charger is ideal
to store in a glove
box or center console when not being
used. The Four-inOne Car Charger
has an MSRP of
$39.99.
For more information visit www.securproducts.com.
13
Lost Highway... Found
Photos by Koz Mraz and Ashley Caven
Lost Highway festival was all about motorcycles, music and
camping. An eclectic mix of musical genres that includes
country, punk rock and rockabilly. Toby Keith, Social Distortion, Eli Young Band, Reverend Horton Heat, Lucero, Lindi Ortega,
Rick Monroe and The Brave Ones all performed throughout the
day. It was a big mix of attendees from young rockers to die hard
country fans and everyone really enjoyed that event.
With over 50 vendors and motorcycle riding entertainment by
the likes of Unknown Industries, these guys started the Harley
wheelie phenomenon! Riders entered their bikes into a contest
which included Best of Show, Best Paint, Best Road King and Best
Road Glide. Rides, attractions and other activities kept entertained
during the festival. Camping options were also available at Glen
Helen Regional Park. The San Manual Amphitheater is off the
charts for major concerts. With a 65,000-capacity this outdoor
entertainment venue offers an enormous Hollywood Bowl like
experience with great sound. It can get hot out at Glen Helen during the day and cools down at
night so bring sunscreen and a sweater, be prepared. Parking was a
breeze, food and booze available. It’s hard to imagine this was the
first Lost Highway event and I am sure there will be more.
14
AUGUST 2015
AUGUST 2015
15
JULY 31
CASPER, WY* OIL CITY HARLEY-DAVIDSON’S 1st ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
– Casper, WY –Stop in on your way to Sturgis!
Festivities Start 12 Noon-- Food, Bar, Vendors
& BANDS - Barrel House 4 PM, JIMMIE VAN
ZANT 7 PM. 831 N. Glenn Rd.. Casper, WY
82601 307-265-3211 www.oilcityhd.com Visit us
on FB & Twitter! SEE AD.
sinore CA 92531. More information email Chewy
at [email protected].
AUGUST 3-9
STURGIS, SD* 75th Annual STURGIS
MOTORCYCLE RALLY –Black Hills riding,
Concerts, Events at Many Venues. Lodging, Visitor Info, Camping, RV parks, & more at www.sturgismotorcyclerally.com AUGUST
AUGUST 7
AUGUST 1
HARBOR CITY,CA - CALIFORNIA HARLEY-DAVIDSON BIKE NIGHT All bikes,
trikes, and cars are welcome at our Friday Bike
Nights! Join us for a free and fun night of live
music, BBQ, vendors, 50/50, raffles, a beer garden, and a “Best in Show” bike contest (1st, 2nd,
and 3rd prize winners). Bring your bike and your
buddies and let’s kick start some good times! 5pm9pm Contact Alma Carlos [email protected] CALL (310) 539-3366
http://www.californiaharleydavidson.com SEE
AD
BALDWIN PARK to SANTA ANA, CA* 8th
ANNUAL RIDE FOR AUTISM—Starts at Laidlaw’s Harley-Davidson registration opens 9 AM.
A Scenic Ride to Original Mike’s in Santa Ana.
Pre-Registration Tickets: $30 for Riders til July
15; $25 for party only guests. After July 15 add
$5. Food & Refreshments, Music, Raffles, Fun!
Benefits non-profit entities directly involved with
Autism Spectrum Disorder. More info at www.
rideforautism.org. Laidlaw’s H-D- 1919 Puente
Ave., Baldwin Park. 626-851-0412.
AUGUST 8
HARBOR CITY, CA CALIFORNIA HARLEY-DAVIDSON Motorcycle Bootcamp Join us for a FREE headlight to tailpipe
orientation of everything you need to know about
riding a Harley. This interactive workshop will
debunk the myths of riding and teach you the different types Harleys, the correct “fit” of a bike,
riding gear essentials, how to pick up a fallen bike,
and more! Bring a buddy, grab some grub, and get
ready to kick start some good times!10:30-11am
Breakfast & Reg. 11am-12pm Workshop Contact:
Alma Carlos Email alma.carlos@californiaharley.
com Call (310) 539-3366 http://www.californiaharleydavidson.com SEE AD
SAN MARCOS, CA* 1ST SATURDAY BIGGS
BIG BIKE-A-THON AND VENDOR VILLAGE EVENT at Biggs Harley-Davidson in San
Marcos, CA— 9AM-3PM--Over 600 new and
used bikes to browse on www.biggsh-d.com - Vendor Village is FREE to Buyers and Sellers! FREE
BBQ and Live Band. 1040 Los Vallecitos Blvd.
#113 More Info: 760-481-7300 or www.biggshd.
com Visit us: www.facebook.com/biggsharley www.instagram.com/biggsharley www.twitter.
com/biggsharley
AUGUST 2
Lake Elsinore, CA* Shake The Lake Bike and Car
Show! Lake Elsinore’s newest and hottest motorcycle shop is putting on their first Bike and Car
Show 8n the heart of Lake Elsinore. Event preregistration day of event starts at 3pm. Event
goes from 5-7pm. Cost for contestants is $20.00
and vendor fees are $100.00 for 10X10 spot. Winner’s for best bike and Car split the 50/50 pot. Located at 31701 Riverside Drive, Suite E, Lake El-
16
SAN MARCOS, CA* FIRE FIGHTER’S
CHILI COOK OFF at Biggs Harley-Davidson in
San Marcos, CA – 10:30AM – 3PM—Come support your local Fire Department in a chili cook off
competition. $10 contestant entry and $5 lunch
and tasting tickets are paid in person at Biggs. All
proceeds go to the San Marcos Fire Fighter Association. Live Band! 1040 Los Vallecitos Blvd.
#113 More Info: 760-481-7300 or www.biggshd.
com Visit us: www.facebook.com/biggsharley www.instagram.com/biggsharley www.twitter.com/biggsharley
TWIN FALLS, ID* SNAKE HARLEY-DAVIDSON DEMO DAY EVENT – Come out and ride
our dealership demo fleet! Lunch provided. Check
www.snakehd.com for event details/updates coming soon! 2404 Addison Ave. E, Twin Falls, ID
(208) 734-8400. SEE AD.
CASPER, WY* OIL CITY HARLEY-DAVIDSON DEMO DAY EVENT – Come out and ride
our dealership demo fleet! Lunch provided. Check
www.oilcityhd for event details/updates coming
soon! 831 N. Glenn Rd., Casper, WY (307) 2653211. SEE AD.
Prunedale, CA* - Patriots MC 20th Annual
Summer Event Patriots MC 20th Annual Summer Event benefits 27th Annual Palo Alto Veterans Hospital 10am -12noon at American Legion Post #593, 8300 North Prunedale Road,
Prunedale,donation $15 includes 5 stop hand (hi
& low,BBQ meal,live band,rider reward ticket.
Also door prizes,50/50,rider reward prize,keg
toss.Vendors no fee,contact Frank - fmasoni@ya-
hoo.com 831 636-5956
714-891-4300 www.HBharleydavidson.com SEE
AD
AUGUST 11
WESTMINSTER/HUNTINGTON BEACH,
CA – Hogs and Dogs Summer Bike Night Surf
Dogs Sports Grill - Ride from Huntington Beach
Harley and get a free raffle ticket. Ride leaves
H-D at 6pm. Bike night Happy Hour Extended to
9pm Custom Menu, Raffle Prizes, Free Biliards.
1508 Goldenwest Circle Westminster, CA 92683
714-891-4300 – Sponsored by Law Tigers www.
HBharleydavidson.com SEE AD
AUGUST 14 – 16
PALA, CA – 25th Annual Pala Run Music Festival
& Bike Show - Hosted by VietNam Vets/Legacy
Vets MC Double Overnighter. Gates open Friday at noon. 11154 Hwy 76 Pala CA, 92059 $40
Couple, $30 Single, $20 Saturday Day Pass. Bike
Show Saturday & Hard Body Contest Sat Night.
For more info: www.vnvmc-cai.com Or call 858344-7886
AUGUST 15
HARBOR CITY, CA* CALIFORNIA HARLEY-DAVIDSON Performance Workshop Stop by and get inspiration on how to
improve your Harley for this year’s riding season!
Our workshops will teach you how to transform
your bike into a customized dream! These workshops feature a variety of different topics ranging from high-performance power/speed/agility,
high-end style, and the highest levels of safety.
12:30-2pm Workshop For more Info: Contact
Alma Carlos Email alma.carlos@californiaharley.
com Call (310) 539-3366 http://www.californiaharleydavidson.com
SEE AD
SAN MARCOS, CA* GREAT AMERICAN
SLOW RACE at Biggs Harley-Davidson in San
Marcos, CA-- How slow can you go? All bike
brands welcome. Gift Cards awarded to winners in
4 different categories. Grand champion also wins
a Great American Slow Race Trophy! Race starts
around 1PM - FREE BBQ and Live Band. 1040
Los Vallecitos Blvd. #113 More Info: 760-4817300 or www.biggshd.com Visit us: www.facebook.com/biggsharley www.instagram.com/
biggsharley www.twitter.com/biggsharley
MESA, AZ* PARTY ON THE PATIO- Complimentary Food Hosted by United Food Bank.
12 Noon – 3 PM. Music by “Behind the Badge”
Arizona’s Public Safety Band. While at the Party, get your ticket to win a Harley SEE SEPT 12
EVENT- 922 S. Country Club Dr. More info at:
www.unitedfoodbank.org or www.chestershd.
com
WESTMINSTER/HUNTINGTON BEACH,
CA –HUNTINGTON BEACH HARLEY-DAVIDSON Bikes, Brews and BBQ 11am – 3pm
1508 Goldenwest Circle Westminster, CA 92683
AUGUST 2015
SAN DIEGO, CA* BIKE SHOWDOWN AT
PACIFIC BEACH HOT ROD & BIKE SHOW
9 AM – 3 PM On the streets of Pacific Beach in
San Diego, entry at Garnet & Dawes. Cool Bikes,
Hot Babes, Cold Beer! Music & Food! Hollywood
Tans Bikini Contest! Engine Blow-up Contest!
Hundreds of Classic Cars! Trophied Bike & Car
Show, entry fee $10, til Aug. 12 (Day of Show
$20) SO ENTER NOW! Spectators free to enter.
Spectator bike parking. More Info and to Register:
www.chargersteve.com or call 760-440-0896.
AUGUST 21-23
PRIOR LAKE, MN* NORTHERN THUNDER -- at Prior Lake (just 25 miles southwest of
Minneapolis/ St. Paul), at Mystic Lake Resort
Casino-- 600 room luxury hotel with a championship golf course, RV park, 230,000 square foot
fitness center, ten bars and restaurants & live music every weekend. Event activities include slow
bike races, bike competitions, vendors, food and
beverage, a concert stage with local and national
bands, celebrity appearances, giveaways and a free
slot tournament. This free outdoor event is open to
all ages. 2400 Mystic Lake Blvd NW, Prior Lake,
MN 55372 Call for more info: 775-329-7469 or
visit www.roadshowsreno.com or Email: admin@
roadshowsreno.com SEE AD.
on down and have FUN with us on Saturday, August 22 from 10am to 3pm. Oh ya did we mention
we are giving away absolutely FREE Oil changes
for all riders just for showing up on your bike. Call
for more info 707-647-RIDE (7433) Contact Steve
Goodwin Email steve@ride-ride-on-motorcycles.
com
August 29th 4pm. Registration at Banana’s Bar
& Grill 1310 S Alvernon, Tucson AZ. $10 single/
$15 couple. Cash prizes, 50/50, door prizes, live
music & trophy for best bike in attendance. Contact Koko Email [email protected]
Prescott Valley, AZ* Monsoon Madness Vietnam
Vets/Legacy Vets MC, 13th Annual,Monsoon
Madness, Veterans Fundraiser. Sat. Aug 22nd
Noon-4PM Buffalo Wild Wings 2985 Center Ct
Prescott Valley, Az. 86314 Tattoo Contest, Auction, Raffles, 50/50, Vendors All riders Welcome
NO ADMISSION FEE. Contact pj Email [email protected]
Fair Oaks, CA* American Legion Riders Post 383
Poker Run. Join the American Legion Riders for
a ride through the Sierra foothills. Location: 8990
Kruitof Way, Fair Oaks, CA (VFW Hall) Registration starts at 8:00 am / KSU at 9:30 am. Regis. includes BBQ lunch. Donation: $25/rider and $35/
couple. All proceeds support local veterans.5 stops,
6 card draw, high/low poker hands, 50/50. Raffle,
Prizes, Music. Contact Bob Ferrell Email [email protected]
Costa Mesa, CA – Costa Mesa Speedway Harley
Night
AUGUST 29-30
AUGUST 28
San Diego, CA* Moonlite Ride. Moonlite Ride,
Free, 6pm, Start Indian dealership. 2400 Ketner
Blvd San Diego Ca .we ride either up the coast
or to the hills for dinner and full moon scenery
bring the better half join us. Contact Leonard
Email [email protected] Website WWW.
Sandiegoindian
Phone
6192440364
HARBOR CITY,CA - CALIFORNIA HARLEY-DAVIDSON 40th ANNIVERSARY BASH
– WIN A 40th ANNIVERSARY CUSTOM CA
HARLEY MOTORCYCLE All bikes, trikes,
and cars are welcome! COME FOR A TON OF
ENTERTAINMENT with Aug 29- Three Bad
Jacks,& Gamblers Mark, August 30th- Hoodie and
The LongBoards GREAT FOOD, PRIZES and
SO MUCH MORE Contact Alma Carlos alma.
AUGUST 29
AUGUST 22
SAN MARCOS, CA* FREE VIP BREAKFAST
& LUNCH CREW RIDE at Biggs Harley-Davidson in San Marcos, CA—9AM to 3PM--Ride with
the crew from Biggs Harley-Davidson! Free VIP
Breakfast and lunch for riders, Free BBQ and Live
Band for everyone. First 12 riders receive 300 rider
reward points!! 1040 Los Vallecitos Blvd. #113 More Info: 760-481-7300 or www.biggshd.com Visit us: www.facebook.com/biggsharley www.
instagram.com/biggsharley www.twitter.com/
biggsharley TWIN FALLS, ID* SNAKE HARLEY-DAVIDSON DEMO DAY & SPLISH SPLASH EVENT
– Come out and ride our dealership demo fleet!
Lunch provided. Check www.snakehd.com for
event details/updates coming soon! 2404 Addison
Ave. E, Twin Falls, ID (208) 734-8400. SEE AD.
CASPER, WY* OIL CITY HARLEY-DAVIDSON DEMO DAY & SPLISH SPLASH EVENT
– Come out and ride our dealership demo fleet!
Lunch provided. Check www.oilcityhd for event
details/updates coming soon! 831 N. Glenn Rd.,
Casper, WY (307) 265-3211. SEE AD.
Vallejo, CA* Customer Appreciation Party. A
party for YOU our customers and friends. Come
enjoy the Annual Event. BBQ. Music by Jeff from
DJTAINMENT. Lots of great door prizes. Come
AUGUST 2015
SAN MARCOS, CA*
RIDE WITH CELEBRITY
PERSONALITY CLINT AUGUST
FROM 101.5 KGB at
Biggs
Harley-Davidson
in San Marcos, CA – Hot
Breakfast served at 9AM,
Kick stands up at 11AM.
We will have raffle prizes,
FREE BBQ, and a live
band! All proceeds go
to “Shelter to Soldiers”
who train shelter dogs for
veterans in need of a service dog. 1040 Los Vallecitos Blvd. #113 More
Info: 760-481-7300 or
www.biggshd.com Visit
us: www.facebook.com/
biggsharley www.instag ram.com/biggsharley www.twitter.com/
biggsharley
Tucson, AZ* Loners MC
Bark At The Moon Mystery Run. Loners MC
Tucson presents the 14th
annual Bark At The Moon
Mystery run. Saturday
17
[email protected] CALL (310) 5393366 http://www.californiaharleydavidson.com
SEE AD
AUGUST 30
Oceanside, CA* 13th Annual Bike Blessing &
Down Biker Rally. 13th Annual Bike Blessing &
Downed Biker Rally held at Kennedy’s Cycles
3028 San Luis Rey Road. noon-4 pm. Benefits
San Diego County bikers who crash and are hospitalized. $15 adults, $5 kids under 18. includes a
gourmet lunch, live music, cool raffles, and a Bike
Blessing. Family friendly event. Contact
James “Gunny” Email [email protected]
SEPTEMBER
SEPTEMBER 3
SAN MARCOS, CA* BIGGS BASH NIGHT
at Biggs Harley-Davidson– 6PM-8PM – Three
Words: Babes, Beer, and Bikes. Enter for a chance
to win a Harley-Davison Motorcycle! Spin the
wheel of chance to win cool prizes, participate
in the Tire Toss Contest for a chance to win a
HD Gift Card, $1 beers and a DJ. 1040 Los Vallecitos Blvd. #113 More Info: 760-481-7300 or
www.biggshd.com Visit us: www.facebook.com/
biggsharley www.instagram.com/biggsharley www.twitter.com/biggsharley
SEPTEMBER 8
SEPTEMBER 4
MESA, AZ* “MOTORCYCLES ON MAIN”
BIKE NIGHT - 1st Fridays Sept – June, 6-10 PM
Bike Night on Main Street in Downtown Mesa,
streets are closed to car traffic and open to bikes,
riders and foot traffic. Family friendly and most
restaurants & businesses stay open. For Vendor
info: 480-890-2613 or email [email protected] . . Sponsored by Chester’s Harley-Davidson www.chestershd.com
WESTMINSTER/HUNTINGTON
BEACH,
CA – Hogs and Dogs Summer Bike Night Surf
Dogs Sports Grill - Ride from Huntington Beach
Harley and get a free raffle ticket. Ride leaves
H-D at 6pm. Bike night Happy Hour Extended to
9pm Custom Menu, Raffle Prizes, Free Biliards.
1508 Goldenwest Circle Westminster, CA 92683
714-891-4300 Sponsord by Law Tigers www.HBharleydavidson.com SEE AD
SEPTEMBER 5
SEPTEMBER 11
SAN MARCOS, CA* LABOR DAY 3 DAY
TENT EVENT at Biggs Harley-Davidson– 9AM6PM – September 4th,5th, & 6th --On Saturday: Enter for a chance to win a Harley-Davidson! Spin
the Wheel of Chance and compete in Corn Hole
contests. BBQ and Live Band - 1040 Los Vallecitos Blvd. #113 More Info: 760-481-7300 or
www.biggshd.com Visit us: www.facebook.com/
biggsharley www.instagram.com/biggsharley www.twitter.com/biggsharley
Oakdale, CA* Top Hatters MC Central Valley
Poker Run. Top Hatters Central Valley Poker
Run. Saturday September
5, 2015 Sign in 9:00am11:00am at Top Hatters
Clubhouse 1088 Zell Ln.
Oakdale CA. BBQ lunch,
Music and Raffle. All Riders Welcome. More info
contact Marty 209-5970312 Contact Email
[email protected]
Las Vegas, NV* 6th Annual Whisker and Tails
Motorcycle Run. The
6th Annual Whisker and
Tails Twilight Motorcycle
Poker Run. To benefit All
Fur Love Animal Society.
Registration Time 3pm to
430pm: Henderson Harley
Davidson 1010 W. Warm
Springs Rd. Henderson,
NV 89014 Registration
is only $25.00 which includes raffle tickets and a
meal ticket at the end of
the run. High Hand gets
$350.00 while low hand
gets $150.00 Raffle prizes
There will be live music
and food. Ending Party
starts at 6:00pm Boulder
Dam Brewery 453 Nevada
Hwy, Boulder City, NV
89005 Contact bike run
Email bikerun@allfurlove-
18
animalsociety.org
ORANGE COUNTY, CA* THE PATRIOT
RIDE 9/11 Ride to remember the fallen Heroes of
September 11, 2001. Start Huntington Beach H-D.
End Cooks Corner. Free Ride. Presented by Men
of Fire MC. Facebook/Men of Fire, MC. So Cal
Contact DP Email [email protected]
SEPTEMBER 11-12
BALDWIN PARK, CA* LAIDLAW’S H-D
DEMO EVENT & OPEN HOUSE – 10 AM to
4 PM-- Come ride a new 2016 Harley-Davidson
for FREE! The factory fleet will be here with 15+
models. The San Gabriel Valley HOG Chapter
will be serving food. Lots of vendors, music, and
raffle prizes. 1919 Puente Ave., Baldwin Park.
626-851-0412 or toll free 877-437-3685. www.
laidlawsharley.com SEE AD
SEPTEMBER 12
MESA, AZ* UNITED FOOD BANK 2015 H-D
RAFFLE DRAWING – 9 PM—Win a Harley and
Help Fight Hunger! PRIZES: 2015 Road Glide
Special (or $20,000 cash) plus 49 Cash prizes from
$100 to $2500— $40 per ticket/3 for $100/Only
5,000 tickets will be sold. Tickets available ONLY
at Motorcycles on Main 1st Fridays in Downtown
Mesa OR online (in advance/ through Sept 12, 9
PM) & see official rules at: www.unitedfoodbank.
org Need not be present to win. All proceeds benefit United Food Bank. 480-398-4492 Sponsored
by Chester’s Harley-Davidson, Mesa Az www.
chestershd.com
SAN MARCOS, CA* BIGGS 2016 REVEAL
EVENT at Biggs Harley-Davidson– 9AM-6PM -Stop by Biggs to check out the NEW 2016 models
– Enter for a chance to WIN a Harley!!! -- BBQ
and Live band -- 1040 Los Vallecitos Blvd. #113 More Info: 760-481-7300 or www.biggshd.com
Visit us: www.facebook.com/biggsharley www.
instagram.com/biggsharley www.twitter.com/
biggsharley
SEPTEMBER 19
SAN MARCOS, CA* FREE VIP BREAKFAST
AUGUST 2015
& LUNCH CREW RIDE at Biggs Harley-Davidson —9 AM to 3 PM--Ride with the crew from
Biggs Harley-Davidson! Free VIP Breakfast and
lunch for riders, Free BBQ and Live Band for
everyone. First 12 riders receive 300 rider reward
points!! 1040 Los Vallecitos Blvd. #113 More Info: 760-481-7300 or www.biggshd.com Visit us: www.
facebook.com/biggsharley www.instagram.com/
biggsharley www.twitter.com/biggsharley SAN MARCOS, CA* BIGGS MIDNIGHT
MADNESS TENT EVENT at Biggs Harley-Davidson– 8:30 AM- Midnight – Enter for a chance to
win a Harley-Davidson! Spin the Wheel of Chance
and compete in Corn Hole contests. Beers, BBQ
and Live Band - 1040 Los Vallecitos Blvd. #113 More Info: 760-481-7300 or www.biggshd.com Visit us: www.facebook.com/biggsharley www.
instagram.com/biggsharley www.twitter.com/
biggsharley
MESA, AZ – LET’S HELP GOBB KICK CANCER’S BUTT- Poker Run & Party- Registration
8 – 10 AM at At Chester’s Harley- Davidson, 922
S. Country Club Dr. Last Card at the Steel Horse
by 3 PM, Live Music by Neutral and Steel Horse’s
House Band. Silent Auction, Raffles, 50/50, Wet
T-shirt, Food, Vendors, more. Go Fund Me pagewww.gofundme.com/xc4e88 or visit www.chestershd.com
Loma Linda, CA* 9th Annual Eagle Run. The
9th Annual Ray “Eagle” Ramirez Memorial Run,
benefitting the family of a fallen biker, Mathew
Manning. The run through the Big Bear mountains will start at 9am at Quaid H-D dealership
at 25160 Redlands Blvd., Loma Linda, CA. $20
per rider; $10 passenger; includes lunch, vendors,
raffles, live music, a raffle ticket for a new 2015 HD
FDXL Low Rider, and much more. Contact Amy
Ramirez or Denver Cooley
Email [email protected]
SEPTEMBER 23
Alpine, CA* 33rd Annual UGLYFEST. Its that
time of year again. August 22-23, 2015 is the 33rd
Annual UGLYFEST hosted by the UMF of America. Bring your camping gear and head on down to
the Mar-Ta-Ara RV/Campground. There will be
raffles,games, 50/50, live music BEER and much,
much more! Cost is $30 at the gate, $25 pre-sale.
Check out the UMF website for the flyer and more
information. www.uglys.org 21 and Older ONLY!
Contact Dark Stormz Email [email protected]
SEPTEMBER 23-27
RENO, NV* STREET VIBRATIONS FALL
RALLY – Downtown Reno & Virginia CityTours, Poker Runs, Scavenger Hunts, Ride in
shows, Slow Races, Live Entertainment, Stunt
Shows, and more. Rides to scenic Lake Tahoe &
around the area. Activities at Chester’s Reno H-D.
AUGUST 2015
Free outdoor event; VIP Registration available
with many benefits, visit www.roadshowsreno.
com or email [email protected] or call
775-329-7469. Portion of proceeds to Juvenile Diabetes Assn. SEE AD.
Included with party, Ultimate& VIP passes. For
Info call 866-BIKEFEST (247-3337) Email Info@
LasVegasBikefest.com or go to www.lasvegasbikefest.com SEE AD
OCTOBER 3
SEPTEMBER 26
SAN MARCOS, CA* HARLEY-DAVIDSON
DEMO DAY at Biggs Harley-Davidson – 11:30
AM-2:30 PM - Come on down and test ride our
NEW inventory! Free BBQ and Live Band. Lots of
fun all day long- Ride spots are limited, so get her
early! 1040 Los Vallecitos Blvd. #113 More info:
760-481-7300 or visit: http://www.biggshd.com
www.facebook.com/biggsharley www.instagram.
com/biggsharley www.twitter.com/biggsharley
Phoenix, AZ* Save the Chesticles. 11th annual
Cancer Poker run Saturday Sept. 26. registration
9 a.m. Steel Horse Saloon 1818 w. Bell rd.$15 per
person. Stops include Waddell’s Longhorn Corral,
Charley’s Place, Wild Bill’s Saloon. Raffles, 50/50,
ride pins first 100 registered riders. Benefiting Virginia G. Piper and local cancer patients. Pink on!
Contact “G” Email [email protected]
SEPTEMBER 27
MESA, AZ* DEALERSHIP MYSTERY RIDECome Ride with us &
get to know us! Starts
at Chester’s Harley-Davidson, 922 S. Country
Club Dr. Destination unknown, KSU 12:30 PM.
This month’s ride led by
Chester’s Service Dept.
To Register: mhughes@
chestershd.com 480-8940404
www.chestershd.
com
Sacramento, Sacramento Delta, CA* 19th Annual Black Widows Poker Run, Benefits Shriners
Childrens Hospitals of Northern California, Sacramento. 19th Annual Black Widows Poker Run
10/3/2015 PreReg $30 online or by mail Black
Widows Inc P.O. Box 214412 Sacramento Ca.
95821 by 9/21/15 or Day of $40 start Morgans Bar
& Grill 3348 S street Sacramento Ca 95816 8am to
10 am Includes chicken or prime rib dinner poker
hand tshirt entry for grand prize raffle 50/50 Contact Jamey Ray Email [email protected]
Calabasas, CA - 2nd Annual So Cal Burn Ride to
raise awareness in our communities with proceeds
to benefit burn survivors. Food, live music, auctions, raffles and a scenic poker run through over
100 miles of beautiful Southern California canyons
and coastal highways. Online registrants $35.00
rider/$15.00 passenger Check-in / Registration
and breakfast begins at 8:00 am Sagebrush Cantina
23527 Calabasas Rd. Calabasas, Ca. 91302 More
Info: [email protected] or call
OCTOBER
OCTOBER 1-4
LAS VEGAS, NV - 15th
Annual LAS VEGAS
BIKEFEST - October
1-4th, Bikefest moved to
FREMONT
STREET!
Downtown Las Vegas.
Party Vegas style with
SOA stars Ryan Hurst,
“Opie”, Tommy Flanagan
:Chibs: and Mark Boone
Junior “Bobby”. Early
Registration gets $5 off before June 21st Use Promo
Code LVBF77. Artistry
In Iron, Win over $30,000
cash and prizes, Headline
Entertainment Fri &Sat.
19
818 597-5050 http://www.socalburnride.com
Cardiff, CA* Top Hatters MC San Diego 3rd Anniversary Party. Top Hatters MC San Diego 3rd
Anniversary Party on the coast of Southern California on Saturday, October 3, 2015 from 12 to 4
pm The Kraken Bar & Restaurant 2531 S. Coast
Highway 101, Cardiff CA Join us for great fun,
food, raffles and music All Bikes Welcome. Contact CJ Email [email protected]
CHILDREN RALLY” Join Bikers Against Child
Abuse for a great day of fun, while raising money
to help wounded children. Poker Run thru the Valley of Fire starts at 8:00am, Raffles, Food, Vendors, Bike Games, Music, we are giving away a
new 2014 Harley at the end of the day. Contact
Mike “Beezer” Hoggard Email
[email protected]
to www.LoveRide.org for info on Prizes, raffles,
entertainment and more.. SEE BACK COVER
OCTOBER 23-25
PALM SPRINGS, CA* AMERICAN HEAT –
CANCELLED!
OCTOBER 16
OCTOBER 24
OCTOBER 10
San Diego, CA Julian Cider Run - The Julian
Cider Run benefits Aseltine School. Ride from
Sweetwater Harley-Davidson to a home in Julian,
CA w/ Live Music, Raffle, BBQ lunch, Hard/soft
cider samples & apple pie. All motorcycles & cages
welcome. Motorcycles: $25/rider, $45/couple
Other Vehicles: $20/person (email [email protected] by 5:00 pm on 10/9 for directions) *$5 discount for active military Registration:
9:30 - 10:30 am (3201 Hoover Ave., 91950) Festivities: 12:00 pm (Julian) Contact Gwen [email protected]
http://aseltine.org/how-you-canhelp/2013-10-21-04-37-23.html
Mesquite, NV* BACA “KEEPERS OF THE
Benson, AZ SAHR Biker Rodeo Southern Arizona Harley Riders MC, 21st Annual Biker Rodeo,
Arena Bar, 250 Prickly Pear Ave, Benson, AZ, benefit for local charities throughout Cochise County,
Start 12:00 on Friday. Gates open 8:00AM on Saturday. Cost $20 per person $15 for bike passenger.
Bike Show, Biker Games, Bands, Vendors, Have a
clue ride, Free dry camping. Great way to see the
Tombstone and Bisbee and also enjoy the biker rodeo. Bert Jones – Email [email protected]
or go to http://sahr.us
OCTOBER 17
MESA, AZ* B.A.C.A. 7th ANNUAL AWARENESS EVENT- Bikers Against Child Abuse- Registration opens 9 AM. Vendors, information, etc.
At Chester’s Harley- Davidson, 922 S. Country
Club Dr. Info or vendors, visit www.bacaworld.
com or email [email protected]
ANAHEIM, CA* 9th Annual Original Downed
Biker Rally. Fund raiser
to benefit Downed Bikers,
starts at 10 am to 4 pm.
Rider $25, passenger $10.
Includes 4 live bands, free
food and tons of vendors.
Prize drawing and 50/50
drawing. 4905 E. La palma Ave, Contact Pastor
Tom Longbrake Email
[email protected]
OCTOBER 18
GLENDALE,
CA
–
LOVE RIDE – 32nd and
Final Love Ride to Benefit Wounded Warrior
Project. Be a Part of History Foo Fighters Headline the last and final
LOVE RIDE. Pre-Registration NOW at Loveride.org Ride starts at
Glendale H-D at 7am, Jay
Leno will lead the 45 mile
ride to Castaic Lake with
a concert, festival, stunts,
gourmet food trucks and
more. $45 until midnight
Oct 16th - $60 at the door.
For More Info. Visit your
local Harley Dealer or go
20
Huntington Beach, CA* Messengers of recovery Halloween haunt and poker run. Messengers
of recovery Halloween haunt and poker run. All
proceeds benefit women and children of Heritage
house recovery services. Poker run starts at LA
Harley Davidson 2635 w. Orangethorpe Fullerton
92883 coffee and donuts provided.$5 per hand ksu
9am. Bands raffle 50/50 haunted house kid zone
bike show at Huntington beach Harley Davidson 15080 Goldenwest Circle Westminster 92683
11am $15 $25 couple run pin and lunch included
Contact tripp Email [email protected]
NOVEMBER
NOVEMBER 7
MESA, AZ* SHAKE, RATTLE & ROLL FOR
PARKINSON’S – Registration opens 9AM at
Chester’s H-D with Breakfast. Photo Opp at start
of ride with Arizona Diamondbacks Baseball Legend Luis “Gonzo” Gonzales. Then a beautiful ride
through East Valley Maricopa County. Several
stops including Lunch along the way and an end
party with raffles, silent auction & live music. $25
solo/$45 couple, includes Breakfast, Lunch, Ride
Bag & Ride Pin. Benefits Banner Neuro Wellness
Center. Chester’s H-D, 922 S. Country Club Dr.,
Mesa. More info: www.twogalsevents.com or call
480-318-6182.
NOVEMBER 11-15
PUERTO PENASCO, MEXICO - ROCKY
POINT RALLY – The Greatest Motorcycle Fiesta Just South of the Border. www.ROCKYPOINTRALLY.com SEE AD
NOVEMBER 14
FRESNO, CA Ramey Run 3rd Annual Ramey
Run charity Fundraiser. Portion of proceeds to be
donated to the Fisher House Foundation benefitting veterans. For all walks of life not just riders.
Great Food Good Music Cheap Drinks and lots
of raffle prizes to be won. one lucky 50/50 winner.
$15 per person - $20 per couples at the entry gate.
Entry charge gets you entered, fed and part of the
raffle drawing. Indoor seating and eating for up to
500 people so come rain or shine. Contact - Coconut [email protected] Call (209) 914 9754
AUGUST 2015
AUGUST 2015
21
22
AUGUST 2015
AUGUST 2015
23
Gold Rush Harley-Davidson opens in Elko
By RT; Photos by Debbie Rodriguez
Gold Rush Harley-Davidson in Elko, Nevada, opened the doors for its
first official day of business on Saturday, June 20th during Elko Motorcycle
Jamboree. Gold Rush H-D is the newest member of the family of 3 dealers
headed up by Snake Harley-Davidson in Twin Falls, Idaho. Oil City
Harley-Davidson in Casper, Wyoming is the other dealer in the group, ready
to celebrate its First Anniversary this July 31st.
About 2 to 2 ½ hours’ ride from Elko, Snake H-D was before this, the closest
other Harley dealer in the region. The crew at Snake Harley-Davidson could
see what a need there is in the Elko area with riders having to make the trek
to Twin Falls in order to visit a Harley dealer, so now Gold Rush HarleyDavidson is right there. Taking its name from the long standing gold mining
industry in the region, Gold Rush Harley-Davidson is a great reflection of
that historic legacy.
Crowds of riders from the local area as well as far away, were here for Elko
Motorcycle Jamboree, the Rumble in the Rubies-- so it was the perfect time
to open and get the word out to everyone that there’s now a local Harley
dealer here. BBQ lunch, shade and lots of cold refreshments greeted
opening day guests and the party was a hit!
Sitting right next to Interstate 80 that connects northern California, Nevada,
Utah & Wyoming, Elko has been a ‘best kept secret’ stop on this major route
to and from all areas from the west coast to Sturgis and beyond. But the
word is out as now, it’s also a Harley stop for riders passing through.
So when you are on the road in northern Nevada, southern Idaho and
eastern Wyoming you know there’s a family of dealers working together
to keep us well taken care of on the road. As mentioned up top, July 31st
Oil City H-D in Casper, Wyoming will celebrate its 1st Anniversary, with
Jimmie Van Zant as the headliner band for the party, so stop in on your
way to Sturgis—and on the way back, Oil City, Snake & Gold Rush will be
there for ya!
--See more photos at www.quickthrottle.com in the Gallery!
24
Story & Photos by Deborah Rodriguez
June 19th – 21st. Hello! My name
is Debbie Rodriguez. I will be your
guide for this year’s Rumble in
the Rubies aka Elko Motorcycle
Jamboree. Imagine riding down
the main drag, Idaho St. in Elko,
Nevada, and passing the Sherman
Station. The group of five buildings
making up this historic former
stagecoach stop made of bristlecone
pine logs is over 100 years old and
was moved very carefully building
by building in 1997 from a nearby
ranch to downtown Elko. The Elko
Chamber of Commerce now resides
there and it’s part of a visitor center
and historic complex now open to
the public.
Now take a left onto 12th street and
follow the road to the beautiful Ruby
Mountains. Enjoy the fresh air and
beautiful view. The Rubies get their
name by the color that they turn
when the sun hits them just right. It
is truly a beautiful sight. There is so
much to see and do in Elko. Next year
put the Elko Motorcycle Jamboree
on your calendar and join us in the
celebration. And remember to stop
in at one of the local casinos to play
some tables or slots!
The host of this year’s Jamboree
was Brandie Notestine. Brandie
and the Board members of the Elko
Motorcycle Jamboree (EMJ) have
planned all year for this event and
the opening day is here. They did a
wonderful job at making sure everyone
would enjoy this year’s event.
This year marks the 15th annual
Rumble in the Rubies. The event
went through some changes with
vendors to gear them more towards
the bikers that visit Elko during this
time. We had tattoo artists, leather
items, helmets, pinstriping experts,
and many more. Our visitors came
from near and far: Elko, Colorado,
Utah, Idaho and California.
The weather for the event was
beautiful. There was no rain and the
temperatures were in the mid 90’s.
Yeah!!! Friday morning is here. I
am rested and ready to travel to the
Downtown corridor for the day’s
events. Friday’s events include
Rides N Rods opening, Freestyle
Motocross, Loud Pipes contest,
POW/MIA Parade, and the Fryed
Brothers Band.
Then it is time to head over to the
Rides N Rods show. I am surprised
when I get there to see many new
cars and motorcycles placed in this
year’s show. Wow!! The next show
is the LIV Fast Motocross show.
This show always pulls a huge
crowd. The crowd loves to watch
as the performers do their jumps
and full 360’s in the air. After their
performances have been completed
Paul, Jared and Drake stand by to
sign autographs for the crowd.
Next on the schedule is the POW/
MIA Parade, which has become a
AUGUST 2015
tradition for the Elko Motorcycle
Jamboree. The riders meet at 5th Gear
Motorsport in Elko, where the Parade
will start. The POW/MIA Parade
marks the official opening of the
EMJ. This year we had a new element
to opening ceremonies as the Elko
Color Guard did the Presentation
of Colors and N-U-Endo played our
National Anthem which was sung by
N-U-Endo’s Vintah Montoya. There
are bikes galore along with vintage
& classic cars and trucks and new
cars too. It’s beautiful to watch as the
motorcycles come rolling by. Each
member carries their flag with pride
and admiration. Next up are cars
and trucks with many entries, from
a 1946 Ford Truck to the new 2015
ZO6 Corvette. There were so many
entries in this year’s event, and all of
them were gorgeous.
The EMJ Board was very excited
to bring the Fryed Brothers Band to
the Jamboree this year. The Fryed
Brothers perform at Sturgis every
year. This was a real treat for Elko.
The band got the crowd engaged and
many were up and dancing to their
music. It was a great show. Street
Karaoke and Pole Dancing contests
closed out the night’s festivities.
Saturday morning, my gang (John
Rodriquez and Sherry Kirby) and
AUGUST 2015
I stop in at a nearby diner to have
a great breakfast. It is 9:00 am and
already getting really warm.
Our stomachs are full and we are
ready to move on to the Car Show.
Right on! We have a special guest
from Las Vegas, Nevada. It’s “Horny
Mike” from “Counting Cars” on the
History Channel and he brought a
new friend with him, Ryan Evans
the custom painter on the show.
They arrive in Horny Mike’s bus that
was remodeled during one of the
episodes. It is really hard to miss all
those horns on the bus, let alone the
vivid green color. Mike and Ryan
brought some great gifts, and signed
autographs for the fans. Both are
really nice guys.
Another special guest to the EMJ
this year was Chelsea Ryan. Chelsea
was raised in Elko and moved to
Phoenix after graduation. She was
the International Playboy Playmate
Miss January 2014. Horny Mike,
Chelsea and Ryan presented trophies
to the “Rides N Rods” Winners.
The 2015 “Best Custom” winning
motorcycle is a beautiful tangerineorange with black and white racing
ribbons striped across both tanks and
the rear fender. My husband, John
Rodriguez owns the 2005 Big Dog
Pitbull. We purchased it in 2011 from
a local car dealer. In 2012, the bike
won “Best of Show” and $1000 cash
at a Company sponsored car show.
The Pitbull also took home the 2012
“People’s Choice” for Rides N Rods
at the Elko Motorcycle Jamboree. At
2013 EMJ -Rides N Rods the bike
won Best Wild Custom, and now in
2015 Best Custom. It is a beautiful
bike.
After the Rides and Rods Awards,
Mike and Ryan were asked to pull
the winning raffle ticket for the 2015
Wells Cargo enclosed motorcycle
trailer donated by Elko’s 5th Gear
Powersports. We sure hope they will
come back again next year.
John and I also headed over to
the brand new Gold Rush HarleyDavidson for its first day open for
business. The party started at 11am
with a huge tent for shade and BBQ
outside for all their guests. There
were bikes and cars lined up on both
sides of the street. I went inside to see
what kind of treasures I could find.
There is Harley-Davidson Apparel,
Bikes, and a parts ordering counter.
This is something Elko’s bike owners
and owners-to-be will be thrilled
to have. The store was packed with
riders checking it out!
The rest of our day included more
events; concerts, motocross, Bike
wash at the “G”, Desert Thunder
Poker run, and new this year was
the “EMJ Poker Walk”. Then the
featured concerts started at 6:30. First
up was Appetite for Destruction – a
Guns & Roses tribute. Great music
and the crowd was jumping, singing
and dancing around the concert area.
The crowd was still pumped as the
headliner band “Fortunate Son” a
CCR Tribute started their set, and
who were very happy to be back in
Elko playing for EMJ. They were
amazing; the crowd got so involved
that they were singing the words to
the songs when the band was quiet.
I was amazed to see that the young
people were singing along too!
Everyone had a great time.
Thank you Elko Motorcycle
Jamboree and Staff for a great time!
We know there are many great things
to come for the Jamboree and Board
Members in the coming year! See
you next year!!! Special Thank you to
my wonderful husband John for his
support and help and to my fellow
photographer, Twin Sister – Sherry
Kirby!
---See more photos at
www.quickthrottle.com in the Gallery!
25
Renowned Artist Motor Marc Lacourciere Unveils
Sturgis Rally 75th Anniversary Commemorative Painting
Motor Marc Lacourciere unveiled today his tribute to the Sturgis® Motorcycle Rally™, the “World’s Greatest Motorcycle Rally,” celebrating
its 75th anniversary in Sturgis, South Dakota from August 3rd-9th.
ing Japan, Australia, Germany and
England.
Motor Marc’s painting will be enlarged to 12.5’ by 31’ to be displayed
on the side of the Sturgis Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum. There
will be a ceremonial traditional
Pow Wow dance and blessing on
July 22 at 3:00 pm at the museum
performed by the Native American
group The Buffalo Dreamers led by
Troy Fairbanks Jumping Buffalo,
the sixth generation grandson to
Chief Sitting Bull. Motor Marc, an exceptionally gifted
premiere artist internationally known
for his extraordinary works of art including classic automobiles and motorcycles, rock legends, pirate and fantasy
art, has captured the history, heart and
soul of the Sturgis Rally in one commemorative epic painting. “This painting is my tribute to the world’s greatest
Motorcycle rally and its Legends,” says
Marc who has been on a six year mission to complete the 45” tall and 12’
wide piece.
“We’re very excited to have the
Legend Rider fine art mural done
by artist Motor Marc displayed
outside on the Sturgis Motorcycle
Museum & Hall of Fame for the
Sturgis 75th Anniversary,” says
Executive Director Christine Paige
Diers. “The piece does such a great
job of honoring the area where we
The Sturgis Rally it honors began in
1938 as the Black Hills Classic with a
race of nine participants and a small
audience. It now hosts as many as sixhundred thousand participants from
all 50 states as well as from Canada
and dozens of other countries includ-
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live and work as well as honoring
the rally that has been a mainstay of
this community for 75 years. We’re
so honored to display it, and we will
look forward to having folks from
all over the world see it.” Watch Marc paint and explain the
Sturgis painting in his own words:
(video embedded)
For more information visit.
www.motormarcart.com or call 519-735-7779
From July 24th, canvas prints will
be available for viewing and purchase at the Sturgis Museum. Motor Marc will attend meet and greet
events at the blessing in Sturgis as
well as in Black Hills Harley Davidson in Rapid City from July 25th
through August 8th.
A limited number of collectible
fine art prints, in two sizes, 19.5” x
49.75” and 23.75” x 60” sizes are
available.
For more information visit:
http://motormarcart.com/gallery/
motorcycles/Sturgis_75th.htm
27
My trike was built by Born Free Cycles in
Burbank, Ca. by head technician Mark
Montague and owner Alex Lopez. It is all white
and chrome. In the sun you can see a bit of
metal flake, not a lot, just the right touch.
The front end is a Paughco 9-inch over springer with an 80
spoke wheel and old school chopper style handlebars. The
handlebars exhibit 2 vintage iron cross mirrors from the late
1960’s, early 70’s. I bought them from HD in N.Y. back then
and they were only $10 each.
The engine is a Harley-Davidson 96-inch with 6-speed tranny
with reverse gear added. The seat was designed by me and
made by JP Harley of CustomSeats.com. The sissybar was
designed by me and built by my son Frank. The Angel Wings
on top of the sissy bar were laser cut.
The rear end is a Champion Trike Kit with independent
suspension. The trunk has 5-cubic feet of space including
1 shelf on each side inside above the wheelwells. I recently
entered it in my very first competition and won the trophy for
Best Custom. I plane to enter more contests needless to say!
The trike boasts an iron cross headlight, signals and mirrors.
The tool bag is white with silver flake in it. The dual trumpet
air horns are piercing like an 18 wheeler truck. The handgrips
I had custom made in white leather. For special occasions
I wear a white belt and white gauntlet gloves and a custom
made white leather old school style vest. You can see these
when I rode in the 2015 Heroes Ride for fallen soldiers,
policemen and firemen.
Even though I have a motorcycle license,
people are amazed when I tell them
here in California you don’t need one
to drive a 3-wheeler. You only need
a C1 but we are required to wear
a helmet. I had to wait to retire
to get this thing built. It’s a 2015
special construction. I might
look like a retired 66 but the
bike says I’m 26!
Respectfully Yours,
Joe Cremona The Born Free Triker
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29
A Custom California Harley-Davidson®
Motorcycle will be Given Away at the
Event HARBOR CITY, CA, August 30th!
By Mike Joseph
“Redwood Run; just the sound of those
two words conjures up visions of grandeur.
Giant sequoias;
that cool pine smell in
the air (mixed occasionally with the heavy
scent of ganja), all hitting you in the face
as you negotiate 65 mile per hour curves,
cutting through Northern California’s
Highway 101, an area otherwise known as
the Mendocino Triangle.”
hour or two of riding distance;
great options if you feel like getting
in the wind.
W
elcome to the Kiwanis Annual
Redwood Run. This event is held
every June (since the beginning of
time) at the Riverview Ranch up
north off Hwy 101 in Piercy, Ca. “Now; where
exactly is Piercy, California, you ask?” This was
the question I had on my mind when I first heard
about the event. “Between what? Willits and
Garberville? Isn’t that where they filmed the old
Green Acres series with Eva Gabor?”
Many of the riders at this event
travel 600 miles or more to attend.
It was 779 miles one way for my
crew. Part of the lure to this event
is that it is an old school camping
trip. All the bikes rolling in are
strapped down with everything
from ice chest to lounge chairs tents to fishing poles. It is a pretty
cool sight to see.
I have gone both as a participant and a vendor. It
is quite an experience any way you slice it!
The Kiwanis seem to outdo themselves year
after year when hosting this annual event. Two
days of live, nonstop, kick ass music from noon
to midnight. If the bands were setting up; top
notch DJ’s were filling in with great tunes! Fryed
Brothers, Night Ranger, Blue Oyster Cult, and
Warrant were just a few of the live bands lined
up for this year’s run. With a 50 foot granite
mountain (lit at night) as backdrop behind the
stage, and an almost “bowl- like” appearance
to the overall property, you could clearly hear
the music being played from anywhere on the
site. As a vendor I came to really appreciate this
cool “natural amphitheatre” effect the Riverview
Ranch seemed to offer.
As beautiful as the area is, much
of it can be enjoyed on site at the
Riverview Ranch facility without
ever leaving once you have arrived.
. The creek that runs along the
granite face behind the stage is
great for swimming when the heat
kicks up over 100 degrees. There
are hot showers and plenty of
outhouse facilities.
I have to thank Lawrence Browne
and Trevor Yee of Sideways Cycle for
some of the photos. (mine were s#!t)
Also want to give a shout out to
all the Redwood Run staff who
treated every individual like a
friend. With the line- up of bands,
good people, good food, and
hospitable service, this run has
become an annual regular on my
list.
Hope to see you there in 2016.
Until then - Ride Safe - See you
on the Road.
Mike Joseph
Section 8 Cycle Supply
The party is set to have an impressive lineup of live music, delicious
food, refreshing drinks, a wide variety of vendors, cornhole and ladder
golf tournaments, and Miss and Mister California Harley­Davidson
contests. Two different motorcycle stunt teams will be burning rubber
up and down Pacific Coast Highway, which will be blocked off for the
performances. The event will culminate with the dealership giving away
a Custom 40th Anniversary Harley-Davidson motorcycle. The event is
free to the public and food and drink proceeds will be donated to the
Wounded Warrior Project and the Harbor City Boys and Girls Club.
California Harley-Davidson is no stranger to throwing great parties.
In addition to monthly
Bike Nights and annual
summer
parties,
the
dealership has made it a
tradition to celebrate its
big mile­stones. However,
this celebration holds more
meaning than any other.
“Hitting our 40th year is
a huge accomplishment
for us. Like most local
businesses, the recession tested our perseverance, but we kept our head
above water thanks to our many loyal customers.”
California Harley-Davidson is saying ‘Thank You’ to their customers by
giving away a custom, one-of-a-kind Harley-Davidson built by their service
team. Ruffalo added, “We’re throwing a killer party to thank our customers
for sticking with us and because California Harley-Davidson believes in
working hard and playing harder!”
California Harley-Davidson is an award winning, family owned and operated
motorcycle dealership that has been recognized by the community as well as HarleyDavidson Motor Company (HDMC) for its commitment to its customers, community
service projects, and longevity. Since its inception 40 years ago, California HarleyDavidson has been a recognizable landmark on the
southern stretch of Pacific Coast Highway and a
popular destination for both locals and tourists alike.
If you’d like more information about this topic, or to
schedule an interview with Katie Bruns, please contact
Alma Carlos at 310-539-3366 or alma.carlos@
californiaharley.com.
All the original run activities were there for our
viewing pleasure. Wet T-shirt contest, Keg roll,
vintage and custom motorcycle show, plenty
of food and beverage choices; vendors; even a
wheelie contest.* *Only the skilled, daring, drunk,
or stupid need apply…
The beautiful thing about this event is that it’s
on private property and there is just as much
entertainment off stage as there is on. You
could be sitting there contemplating the meaning
of life; then, out of nowhere, a naked girl on a
motorcycle slowly rolls by, waves, then throws
you some beads. WHOA! Whatever I’m drinking,
I’ll have another. Avenue of the Giants National
Forest as well as Shelter Cove are both within an
30
Local family owned and operated business, California
Harley-Davidson, will be kicking off their 40th year with
a Retro Beach Boardwalk themed two-day party. The
celebration will be held onsite in Harbor City on Saturday,
August 29th and Sunday, August 30th from 12-8pm during
which they will be giving away a custom-built California
Harley­Davidson motorcycle.
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31
By Wild Bill
At the beginning of summer in the Southwest,
an event that was started last year and came
back due to it’s great popularity, the Chrome
Pony Rally was held in Sierra Vista, Arizona.
Their mission - to introducing riders from across
the country to the awesome riding we have in
Southeastern AZ while putting heads in beds,
mouths in restaurants and bodies in retail and
giving non-profit and civic associations an
avenue to raise money for their causes.
They hold this event at the Veterans Memorial
Park and this year it was free, All motorcycle
clubs were welcome and they also had tent
camping. You always hear it gets better and
better well I am here to say this is true for this
event. Last year it was great this year was even
better.
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Vendors from all over the country were set up
with anything you could imagine for your ride
or your person. The event went from Friday
May 29 thru Sunday May 31. They had guided
rides through Bisbee/Tombstone with historical
stops, this year they had the Brian Terry Poker
/Scavenger Hunt to raise money for the Brian
Terry fund and they had lots of raffle prizes
(Great items thanks to everyone). The Beer and
Wine garden was open for the much needed
refreshment as it was getting hot and lots of
water ice cold water was provided.
My daughter Christina and I arrived and joined
up with Dee who heads up this event with all
of her help who was busy but took the time to
give us the tour of the event. It was great to see
a sea of vendors and bikes at this second annual
rally. I have to give Bob from the Law Tigers a
huge thank you for allowing us to hang out in his
tent for the much-needed shade just to stay out
of the sun. They had contest going on and some
wonderful gifts provided by the vendors.
Friday music was provided by the Warren G
Band and Saturday evening Mogollon was
the featured Band. Please check out www.
mogollonband.com they are a fantastic band
that has the crowd all involved. They are busy
and booked every weekend and for Biker events
they are perfect, because they also RIDE.
This was the night they gave away the custombuilt bike that they had been raffling off. The
winner was not around however he lived close
by and after a few minutes you knew who he
was, and what a smile he had when he arrived to
claim his sweet prize.
Enjoy the ride. Thanks Dee and to your team for
providing us with a great event.
33
Q: Harry Nelson, Phoenix, AZ.
I’m trying to change over a Fuel Injection (‘99
Fat Boy 88ci) motor that I bumped up to a 96
cui with new jugs and pistons to a carbureted
motor. Change over went nice; intake, carb,
hoses... but I lost or only had a very weak spark
from the crank sensor. Do I need to change out/
install a new cam cover and cam sensor or can
I get enough spark generated from the crank
sensor? Any of the service guys I ask, are like...
“You’re doing what? Good luck with that”.
Dyno Steve, am I wasting my time?
A: Well Harry, you have some strange
and interesting things going on here, which
makes for an entertaining question for
sure. First a ‘99 Fat Boy was a 80” evo, and
not injected. The Twin Cam 88” did not
come to the Softail platform until ‘00, and
didn’t get injected until ‘01. So let’s call it
a ‘01 and go from there. The changeover
to carbureted is time consuming for sure,
but not too technically challenging. As far
as the engine parts go, the cam and crank
sensors are the same as the injected models,
so you will not need to replace those. As for
the ignition modules, the earlier ones used
the cam sensor to determine engine phase,
and the later ones used the map sensor for
this. Regardless of which module was used,
weak spark wouldn’t be a problem; no spark
would be the problem you’d see.
If you are using an ignition module that uses
the map sensor to determine engine phase,
you cannot check for spark with spark plug
removed as compression is necessary to
make spark with this build. If you are getting
weak spark, the problem is most likely to be
found in the coil, wires, or plugs. Make sure
all of these are not only undamaged, but also
the correct ones. The wrong plugs will keep
you from getting spark. Bad plug wires will
affect spark also, and of course a bad coil is
no bueno. If you would like me to walk you
through the tests for these give me a call. I’m
here to help.
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Q: Tim Johnson, Tacoma, WA.
After replacing neck bearings, it seems,
everybody has a different system of tightening
them down properly, what’s your system Dyno
Steve?”
A: There are lots of different specs for neck
bearings but to make it easy let’s just put
them into two categories: touring, and other.
The touring model have a self-centering front
end, so neck bearing settings can be checked
by the number of times the front end swings
back and forth before it stops. Although
with certain years there is a slight amount of
variance in this, but for most Harley touring
models your ideal number of swings will be
three. To do the check, hold the handlebar
full lock, with the front end suspended,
release (but don’t push) the bar and count
the number of times it swings before coming
to a complete stop at center. If it swings
more than three times, your neck bearings
are loose; if it swings less than three they are
too tight. You can turn the bearing adjuster
to loosen or tighten the neck bearings as
needed. When making these adjustments
make sure your lower pinch bolts are loose
to allow the triple trees to slide on the fork
tubes. This will keep them from binding up,
and ensure that your adjustment is correct.
tech talk
cont on 32
If you are playing with something other
than a touring model you will want the front
end to balance straight with the tire off the
ground. Gently tap the tire one way then the
other. On a bike with proper neck bearing
settings the front end should remain steady
for about up to two inches off center before
it falls to the side. A make shift pointer and
a piece of tape on the fender will help you
make the measurements. This is called a fall
away test, and there are examples of it on
YouTube if you need a visual example of
how this works.
Having improper adjusted neck bearings
will cause a front end wobble. In the most
extreme cases it can become a tank slapper,
and a bad get off. No one wants this for their
bike.
A couple things to remember;
If this seems over your head take it to a pro.
Your life may depend on it.
If the wobble is at low speed (40 mph and
below) your neck bearings are too loose.
If the wobble is at high speed (60 mph and
above) your neck bearings are too tight.
Always check your tire pressure!
Q: Gary Anderson, Burbank, CA.
Dyno Steve, I have a 2009 Dyna Street Bob
with 12,000 miles on it. I service it at the
recommended intervals and when I service it I
like to use Harley’s Screamin Eagle Syn Oil. I
also use it for the tranny and primary. I have
wondered since they have separate products
for the tranny and primary what you would
recommend? Use Syn 3 for everything or is the
designated oil for the tranny and primary better
for the long term? Thanks for your help.
A: Hey Gary, how’s sunny Burbank these
days? The question of which oil is the best
is a constant debate and I have heard it all.
For some, the biggest thing is convenience.
Syn3 is the most convenient - one oil for
all compartments. Not only is there less
containers to keep track of, there is never a
chance of putting the wrong fluid in, which
may be a concern when drinking with the
boys and doing a service, which I’d advise
against… Gary, if you pick up a drink, put
down the wrench. Unless, you are working
on a car - in that case you may need a stiff
drink and a sledge hammer.
The absolute best thing you can do for your
bike is to change the engine oil every 2500
miles, and transmission/primary every 5000
miles. If you stick to this schedule it makes
no difference if you use synthetic or mineral
based oils.
35
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AUGUST 2015
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37
B
orn Free was back at it’s Oak Canyon location,
but it’s far from FREE anymore - you now pay
a $10. entrance fee and a $7. parking fee. $17. before
you’re inside. But once in, it’s a hell of an event.
We’ve seen many of our favorite So. Cal. events go this way - wildly popular
when they first start, with the purest of intentions and wanting to be there for
the “love of the bikes and the bikers”. But eventually we all learn (including
the Millennials who started and attended it) that fun costs money,
and putting on a solid event year after year costs a lot of money,
and takes a lot of guts, planning, and just plain luck (like good
weather).
On the inside the grounds were as full as ever with old bikes,
too many to photograph. Vendors seemed to fill most available
spaces, and LOTS of spectators milled around for two days of
old fashioned bring what you got motorcycling. The twenty
five invited bike builders brought some really incredible
creations. Both stages were busy with bands. A great
couple of days of OC motorcycling.
Photos by Art Hall
38
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39
zips will hold this on in place for now. That is why I bring tools and stuff
like it. Just cause you checked it out or that it’s new, doesn’t mean something
isn’t going to break anyway and put a 32 ounce water bottle in your bags. Be
prepared. My AAA and Ride America road side assistance programs are both
active. Now that all of that is done. Time to ride.
th
June 5 Day One:
Prep: June 2nd – June 5th
Once wasn’t enough. I had to do it again. Last year was a dream come true,
this year its ‘wow, is this really my life?’ I get to enjoy what I consider a blessed
life. I have the freedom to come and go as I please with few restrictions, and
only those I impose upon myself. This year, though, I get to relax, and really
see where I am riding to. Last year was a blitzkrieg of riding. I wanted to get
to NY and don’t get in my way. I waited 40 years to do this so move on. Now,
that urgency is gone, replaced by tranquility that I have rarely experienced in
life. Last year was also the ride to figure out what direction my life was going
to take once again. This year its replaced by security and love. That is for
another story. Just read ‘Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance’ and
you’ll get a better understanding of what I mean.
But let us move on to the ride. First and foremost, I make sure my bike is
100% to the best of my ability. That means checking everything and servicing
it before I go. This year I needed both front and rear tires. I could have gone
another few thousand on the front but this trip is going to be at least 7000
miles so why let it bother me. Last year, I let it bother me for 1000 miles
before replacing it, so I have learned. I replaced the front brake pads and that
is a breeze with these Brembo brakes. It’s a 20 minute job max. I also check
the rotors to make sure they are still in spec. Glendale Harley did the tires for
me because they are good at it and have the proper machines. I am past the
put the tire on myself stage of life. Once the bike is together I plan the route.
I ride about 500 miles a day and since I have done this before booking the
Motel 6 or Super 8 at the stops I want is easy. I book this all on line so that
I get an email conformation number which is then on my IPhone for easy
reference for address and the rest of the info. Next is the packing. I am going
for a month so I don’t want to have to do laundry until I’m across the country
so I pack 6 days of cloths. Whatever that means to you is up for grabs but for
me it’s 2 levies, 6 shirts, socks, undies. One thermal shirt and sweat shirt. Flip
flops, sneakers and toilette accessories. I bring my own soap especially. I hate
those little things in motels.
For the weather, which could change at any moment, a rain suit, my leathers,
boots of course (mine are the waterproof Harley boots, they are excellent)
hat, scarf, light jacket and two pair of gloves. One leather and one waterproof.
If you’ve never crossed the country on a bike, heed my word, take whatever
you can fit on the bike but be prudent. The heavier it is, the harder to ride.
Balance is the key to loading and I don’t care what time of year it is. At one
point or another you will wear everything and in some places, all of it at once.
My daughter, after questioning me about the how much gear for a summer
ride to Sturgis, learned that lesson coming home. Wyoming was having one if
it’s cooler summer days. It rained, hailed and snowed most of the way west,
until we hit Jackson Hole. She had it all on. I didn’t have to mention anything
to her. As soon as we saw the sun, I pulled over, we got off the bike and stood
there like two frozen statues waiting to be thawed. She just looked at me
with those daughter’s eyes, internally thanking me, saying nothing. Nothing
needed to be said.
Once I have sorted all that out, I pack the bike the night before, ride it and
then adjust the air suspension. I still bring the pump with me and I have an
assorted bag of tools. I also bring duct tape, zip ties and bungee cords. One
this trip I have already used a zip tie. The support brackets for the tour pack
has chrome covers on it. One is now on the 40 fwy because the plastic support
screws holding it in place just broke. All three of them. Amazing. The other
side I noticed were also broke but one was still intact holding it in place. Now
40
AUGUST 2015
Ride to Flagstaff, Arizona. 500 miles from the house. I leave my girlfriends
around 9am. I want to miss the morning traffic with this being a Friday.
Let them everyday people go do their thing. I decide to avoid the 210 fwy
altogether and go up the 14 to Pearblossom Hwy. It’s a much nicer ride to get
to the 15 then the 210. It leaves you out at Victorville so it’s scenic all the way
there. Even the 14 was OK because you’re going the opposite direction than
traffic. The weather started out overcast and cool and stayed that way until the
Palmdale area. Then the sun came out. The only place it warmed up a bit was
by the border of Arizona. I left my leather jacket on most of the way. It was
crisp and clear in the desert with blue skies engulfing your senses.
The bike was running well and not to many people on the road. My lady
had packed a lunch for me so I didn’t have to spend money on food. Good
idea actually. I switched motels this year because Super 8 offers a continental
breakfast and coffee in the room. Motel 6 does not. It is worth the extra
money for both those conveniences and saves time in the morning. I eat a
simple breakfast anyway, so it’s perfect for me. I did meet some nice people
along the way. Retired people like me but most much older. I stay pretty much
to myself on rides like this. I like to reflect and feel the road and then once I do
stop, I am in my own world. I retired at 60: One, because I could, having been
in the Movie business with a union job for 40 years. Secondly, because I kept
seeing my peers die before they could collect a penny from their pension. That
wasn’t happening to me. I don’t live an extravagant lifestyle but I have what
I need. The freedom is worth every penny I gave up by retiring. Life is short
enough. Live it while you can still ride and walk. On the way up to Flagstaff,
with the machine just purring like a kitten, I notice the sky is changing. I will
tell you one thing about Flagstaff this time of year. It will rain by 4/5pm..
You can set your watch to it and this time it didn’t let me down. As soon as
I arrived at the motel, unloaded the bike, it started to pour. I just made it in
the nick of time. Perfect. I checked in, relaxed a bit, took a shower and went
to the Cracker Barrel for dinner. I had meatloaf, potatoes and veggies. It was
excellent and the service was great. I did a little reading and writing and hit
the hay. I fell asleep feeling very grateful for a wonderful day.
June 6th Day Two:
Ride to Santa Rosa, NM. Another 500 mile day. I got up around 7am,
dressed, had some coffee, got my continental breakfast, read the paper and
got my mind set for the day. I don’t look at the weather report either. It really
doesn’t make any difference to me. I am getting to my next destination. I
have packed for whatever mother-nature is going to throw at me so why thing
about it in advance. It rained pretty heavy last night so I start the bike to
make sure all is well and warm it up. I got a rag, wiped it down and packed
it. I should have fueled the night before but I was concerned about getting
drenched so now I need gas. No biggy, I have the time. I like getting to my
destinations in daylight so I plan for that. I did forget about the time change
but luckily I still left at a reasonable hour. Today, it’s cold up here, so I have
leathers on. It rained on and off all day but I didn’t care. The air was clean,
the trees were glistening with the moisture and the sun was peeking thru the
clouds as if to tease me about the coming warmth. I can travel comfortably
for 150 or so miles before I pull over for fuel. The bike can go further, up to
225 miles, but that is out of my comfort zone and again, I am not in a rush. I
turn on Sirius Radio to ‘Bluesville’, and set the cruise control to 80. This bike
eats miles. Before you know it, you are at your first fuel stop. I always take
my time at stops. Most of them have an area to sit and relax a bit. Rest stops
are nice to if you’re good on fuel. I carry snacks in my saddlebags so I don’t
have to go in the store. Just get gas, find a picnic table and chill. I did check
out the Navajo Nation Store though. It has fascinating stuff in there. Once
on the road again, back to just looking. Our country is so huge and beautiful
and still has a lot of unoccupied space. We all clutter on the coasts. The coasts
are nice but man are you missing some beautiful scenery. I did boogie by
Winslow Arizona though because I have been there before but if you haven’t
it’s a must stop. It’s a cool place and you can go ‘stand on the corner’… There
is also the ‘Petrified Forest and Painted Desert’. Riding thru there reminds me
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of ‘Star Wars’ planet ‘Tatooine’. The 40 is being upgraded so there are spots
where you have to slow down but mostly it’s an 80mph ride all the way from
Flagstaff to Santa Rosa. The bike ran well all day and I am not fatigued at
all after 1000 miles. I went to dinner at ‘Route 66’ restaurant in Santa Rosa,
right off the freeway, and it was good. It has a great 50’s look to it and the
people are nice. The place was spotless and food was fresh and plentiful. The
pork chops could have been a bit thicker but they were tasty. It was close to
the motel so I didn’t have to ride. It has rained again, pretty hard, and now it’s
dark and I’m not going outside anymore. When I went out earlier, right after
it rained to wipe down the bike I got eaten alive by mosquitos. Yes, I have bug
spray and from this state on, will put it on.
You forget bugs when you are living in Los Angeles. I think they leave
also because it’s too crowded. This is the day I lost the chrome piece that I
mentioned in the beginning.
June 7th Sunday Day Three:
Well I made it to Oklahoma under beautiful blue skies. The wind was blowing
at my back so it made the ride quite pleasant. I had breakfast at the motel so
I could get an early start. Well, early for me anyway, 8:30am. I already had
filled up with gas the night before so all that was to do is load and go. Loading
now has become routine. It may take a day or two if you’re not use to it but by
day three you should have it down or you should have left it at home. What
I brought has been perfect for the trip. I have used most of the foul weather
gear, I have gone from hot too cold to wet getting here, and my leather jacket
is the most important item. It works in all weather. I had it made about 20
years ago by Gilberto of ‘Espinoza’s Leather’ in Rosemead, CA. His jackets
last a life time and get better with time. As I am making my way east the
scenery is getting greener. You don’t realize how ‘brown’ Los Angeles is until
you leave. It will get overwhelming in a few days but for now the rolling hills
of this land, the flags I see along the highway, and the cattle, hay and horses,
and the smell, let you feel America all over you. The bike today ran as it has
from the beginning. Perfect. It purred. I did 160 miles between stops today
and made good time, getting to Oklahoma at 4:30pm. I did stop for lunch in
Texas at a rest stop and it was more like a really nice city park. The lobby for
the restroom area is air conditioned. The bathrooms were spotless and done
black and white tile that was a piece of art to itself.
Outside, I spent about 45 minutes eating lunch, in the shade on a picnic table
overlooking the highway and green hills with the breeze keeping me cool. I
like this ‘bringing my lunch’ with me. It allows me to find pretty places to stop
rather than a restaurant. It was a very pleasant experience. I did try and stop
at Tripp’s Harley Davidson in Amarillo, Texas but it was closed. Sunday is a
day of rest in Texas. It is hot and humid here. I always trip out on humidity.
You walk 10 feet and you’re sweating, your glasses fog up in air conditioning
and your cloths ‘stick’ to you. You need to drink a lot of water on these
journeys, because it is very easy to get dehydrated and not know it. Always
have water on the bike. It’s all part of taking care of yourself as you ride to
keep fatigue down and your awareness on high and getting to the motel today
was especially gratifying because of the heat. I came in the room and only
went outside to clean the carnage of bugs off my windshield and front end.
The room is nice and I’m still satisfied I made the switch to Super 8 motels.
I can sleep longer because of eliminating a breakfast stop. I can bring snacks
with me and coffee is in most rooms. The rooms are larger and have much
better furniture. This one has everything but a coffee machine. Hmmm, I will
have to investigate. So I have done 1400 miles so far and not much fatigue and
other than the chrome piece, nothing to report other than it runs great. I was
born to do this stuff. The feeling it gives me, there is no price you can put on
it. St. Louis tomorrow.
June 8th, Day 4:
I woke up this morning a little late but who cares. I am not in a rush. I had
breakfast at the hotel, my usual, cereal-yogurt-fruit and toast. While sitting
there I met this older couple who is on a journey to South Carolina. John and
Ethel, both retired, and driving around the country to visit relatives. We had
nice chat and traded stories about what we did for a living, what we are doing
now and how life is so different, not working. They were the nicest people
and were very inquisitive about my journey to NY. I explained to them that
I also am going to see family and the motorcycle is therapy for my coming
visit. They laughed. They told me about his 88 year old mother, and I told
them about mine. It was a trip. They said they don’t meet very many people
on the road, nevertheless a biker, they like. I was an exception to them. That
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made my day. It didn’t matter I was going to leave later than usual. It was
totally worth it. They wished me well, thanked me for the conversation and
safe journey. It made my morning. So I got on the bike with a huge smile on
my face. John and Ethel, thank you.
When I went outside to pack the bike, I realized it was a glorious day. Blue
skies, around 75, with a sprinkling of clouds. I was now on Highway 44 and
for a major road it is awesome. I just marvel at all the
‘green’ around me. It’s a color that takes time to register in my head. With
the drought choking California, it overwhelms me that this is so ‘wet’ here.
Even the air has moisture in it. That’s called humidity. I’m ok with a little but
I’m not use to this, but by the time I get to NY I will be. I even have a hard
time in the shower, thinking I have to be fast, to save water. But the East has
more water than they know what to do with. You’re doing them a favor by
using as much as you want. Even with that in mind, I still had a hard time.
All the lakes, rivers and streams were flowing. The pasture land was green
with many cattle and horses indulging on the fresh grass. The whole of 44
from Oklahoma City to St. Louis is scenic. It cost me 8 bucks in tolls to get
out of Oklahoma, but at least they have service stations on the highway so
you don’t have to get off. Once in Missouri, I had to ‘don’ the helmet once
again. I am not a fan of helmets. I have nothing against anyone who likes
them either. Just don’t force your like on me. I feel strongly that it should be
a choice among adults. In fact, there still is a helmet law in Missouri but the
State House of Representatives just voted to repeal it. Now it goes to the State
Senate which, it has been said, will pass it. That’s awesome. I want to thank
ABATE for staying on top of all these laws.
Gas has lessened by a $1.00 or more per gallon, compared to California. In
Missouri, the octane in premium is 93, which the bike loves. It purred along
with nothing to report other than, this is one amazing motorcycle. Between
the range, comfort, and infotainment center along with the GPS and cruise
control, you are just a passenger along for the ride. I did 500 miles today and
I could have kept going. With the weather being so nice it was tempting but I
have learned. Stick to the plan. Enjoy the time. At the motel I’m at there are
people staying here for some car show. I have seen some great cars that take
me back to my childhood. This is one of the reasons I do these rides alone.
It gives me the freedom to move about without checking with anyone. It also
is my ‘zen’, my private spot in my brain that only the bike and I go to. I think
a lot while on the bike and most of my thoughts are of my loved ones, my
friends, my unknown future. I feel just like I did when I was 17 and first got
on a motorcycle of my own, that rush that erupts to a smile while looking at a
beautiful machine. That feeling still resides inside me till this day. Getting on
the rode in the morning, smelling the fresh air, seeing the sun making its way
to illuminate the road, gives me gratitude to the 10th degree. On to Ohio…
June 9, 2015 Day 5:
I got up full of energy this morning. Getting close to my childhood home
gets me excited. I had a long ride today. The weather was excellent with just
a few light clouds in the blue sky. The temperature was in the low 80’s and
little to no wind. Excellent riding conditions. I had my usual breakfast and
left around 8:30am. I should have left earlier to give myself more breathing
room but I didn’t realize it would be 525 miles of road construction, very
troubled truckers and one really weird asshole that, on purpose, wouldn’t let
me pass. I had no time for him and as soon as he left me an opening, I was
gone. Now, the old me would have been giving him the finger, wanting him
to pull over and get my revenge out on him for all the truckers that were dicks
today. I don’t do that stuff anymore. First, I’m getting to old. Second, it’s a big
waste of time and energy, plus it takes up to much space in my head. Third,
I just don’t live that way anymore. I would rather just move on and let you
keep your anger to yourself. I don’t need any, I have enough of my own. The
traffic on the 70 with the construction, as I said, made the ride a task today.
I had to be on high alert all of the 525 mile today, with the exception of the
last 15 miles. That is why eating and drinking enough water is important. To
keep alert. At least I had music to listen to and the scenery was still nice. I had
one stint of 209 miles before fuel and I still had another 25 left if I needed it.
The bike loves 93 octane. It is quieter and smoother running and it appears
to get better gas mileage. I was on the bike most of the day today, spending
little time at stops. I didn’t have the time really. With everything happening
on the road, if I didn’t get moving, I would have been here at midnight. As
it was I got here at dusk. I did stop for a nice lunch at one of them great rest
stops the east has. This one was in Indiana, kept in tip top condition and a
pleasure to be at. They even put trees at strategic places to keep the Highway
noise at a minimum. I have learned that buying your lunch in the morning
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and bringing it with you on the bike is much more economical, healthier, and
more relaxing than a restaurant. After lunch though, I boogied. That is when
I went the last part of the way, 209 miles, without stopping. Again, the bike
is running wonderful and I am feeling great. I love the road and riding this
Harley. They were made for each other.
June 10th Day 6: What a ride today. It couldn’t have been any better. 460 mile
of bliss. I don’t know about you but the 80 from Ohio thru Pennsylvania is
like riding a really fast country road. It is one of the prettiest major highways
and it is well maintained. I left the hotel around 9, not being in any rush
today, to start the day’s adventure. Simple breakfast once again. I did give
the bike a good look over today just to make sure everything was tight and
looked good. This bike impresses me more every day. 3000 miles and it didn’t
even blink. I’m here, sitting in my sister-in-laws house, thinking how amazing
a ride it was. I know I still have to return but wow is all I can say. I am not
in the least fatigued. The weather today was perfect again. I have been very
fortunate so far. The green just kept getting greener as I got closer to NY.
Water is everywhere or possibly I notice it more because we have none. Being
in NY again, for the 2nd year, it has a different meaning now. I really don’t
know how to explain it either. I mean, last year, it was a revelation, it was one
of the grandest moments in my life. Now, it is a self-satisfying journey that
is like a fine wine it got better as time passed. I sit in this house once owned
and lived in by my late older brother Steve, and I feel his presence. I feel his
approval of me living my life to the fullest. There are so many memories here.
This is why I make this adventure. To feel my past, to relive so many awesome
moments in my childhood and try to understand the bad ones. New York to
me is the remembering of better times in this country. I grew up in the 50’s
and 60’s. Life was pretty simple then and it’s pretty simple again, it’s the inbetween we must endure. Life is making the full circle.
June 11th Day 7:
Slow going today. I have still not left the house. Catching up on laundry and
getting settled for a couple of weeks. I need to wipe down my bike and get
some of the bugs off. Love being here. I am off to go visit my Cousin Marilyn.
She is a trip. I will continue tonight when I get back here. I miss my lady.
Well, when I left the house I thought I did a good job. You see, my
sister in law has rules. And not that she isn’t within her rights to have rules.
After all I am staying at her house free of charge but she has a lot of rules and
if you forget one? She catches you. I have known this woman since I have
been 12 years old and I know her ways, it’s just that to follow them all you
have to have a super memory. I do not. I am very grateful for her hospitality
so I don’t say anything. I will rethink my lodging next year. And not because
I am unhappy or anything like that. It’s just I don’t want to follow rules
anymore or be an inconvenience to her. She has been more than nice to me.
Anyway, I got on my bike today, in oppressive heat with humidity, to meet
my cousin Marilyn at her daughter, Nicole’s house. The bike is running great
so nothing to say there, but I go in the house and Nicole has a little dog, Jack
Russell Terrier, and he looks excited to see people, so I ask my cousin, does
he bite? She says no, he has never bitten anyone so I go to pet him and the son
of a bitch bit me right on the finger and held on so that I had to shake him off.
It put a little hole in my finger and stung. Well, my sick cousin, as soon as I
shook ‘Anthony’ off my finger and yelled ouch, she busted up laughing. She
apologized but said, seeing a grown man shaking a little dog off his finger 3
feet in the air is very funny. If it wasn’t my finger I would totally agree, but it
was my finger. That dog almost became a football. That was the beginning of
a beautiful night with family that I don’t get to see often. We went to my other
Cousin Stacy’s house for NY pizza, which is the best in the country, and had
a wonderful time of laughs, memories, stories and just the love between us is
just awesome. So we ate, bullshitted, and had coffee and cake for dessert.
The ride going and coming from Congers to Yonkers is about 20 minutes and
since I can pick the time I want to leave, I miss all the traffic. Riding over the
Tappan Zee Bridge though is a trip because it is so long. Once over the bridge,
you leave any remnants of the city behind. You are engulfed in green again
and small cozy towns. The riding up here is outstanding with twisty country
roads that are lined with all sorts of foliage and streams. People drive slow up
here so you have to be patient and there is no spitting lanes here either. That
is torture. Seeing a clear line though the traffic and not the ability to do it
legally. I have done it anyway but beware, it pisses people off and they yell out
the window, ‘hey, douchbag, that’s not legal here’. Since I grew up here I just
resurface my NY accent and yell back ‘f---- off ’ and keep going, but if you’re
not from here. Don’t do it. They might just try and run you over. The ride
back tonight though was awesome because the humidity let up and it cooled
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a little, enough to make it comfortable as you are riding. These are the times
you can just keep going because if feels so good. The roads here are very dark
also, you need to be on high beams and really watch for deer. I saw three dead
ones on the side of the road in Pennsylvania, probably hit by a truck or car.
But if a bike hits a deer, you’re in a world of shit because hitting them is like
hitting a wall. So caution at all times on dark back roads. Trust me, its worth
the extra 5 or 10 minutes. The LED lights on the bike do a great job but the
high beam is to narrow, and it doesn’t cover the whole road, especially on
winding roads. Anyway, that’s enough for tonight.
June 12 thru 20:
It will be hard to put into words how these last 8 days have gone but I
will try. I have been all over the place. From Manhattan to Acra, NY. I have
visited more relatives than I care to count and I have done all of the rides I
intended to do. I have seen some of the most beautiful parts of New York
State and saw the hard side of life. I was harassed by the police and taken to
the museum by a cousin. This part of the trip was all about family, friends and
in the end it was about love. I am so blessed to have the people in my life that
I have. To say that I am just grateful would be a large understatement. These
last 8 days I also put on some miles on the bike, going upstate, over the bridge,
to the city and back again. It held many days of laughter, remembrance, and
some sadness. Being here in the place of my youth and in the mist of so much
of my family and friends that are still here gives me a sense of belonging
like few get to enjoy. I have always been blessed with the ability to blend in
and enjoy the local fare wherever I have traveled. I adjusted to becoming a
Californian within a few years of moving there but New York has always
been my home. It is where my formative years were and where all the good
and bad that is me spawned. Riding from place to place, knowing exactly
where I was at all times, made me feel revitalized inside. My family is very
close and the friends that I made as a child are still as wonderful as they were
then. So, here are the places I rode to. Manhattan, Bronx, Yonkers, Congers,
Somers, Patterson, Bear Mountain, Acra, Roundtop, Cairo and Catskill. I
rode Route 9W, Route 32, NY State Thruway, Sprain Brook Parkway, Saw
Mill River Parkway, Bronx River Parkway, Henry Hudson Parkway, West
Side Hwy, The FDR and the Palisades Parkway. The temperature ranged
from 92 and humid to 62 and raining. I was on the streets of Manhattan to
the back roads of the Catskills. I ate homemade Italian food to hot dogs from
a cart. This trip had it all. I hung out at my Cousin Vinnie’s automotive shop,
I walked the Cross County Center, I gambled and won at the Empire Casino
in Yonkers Raceway and ate at the Raceway Diner. I made new friends at
the Congers diner where I ate breakfast most mornings and I became closer
to my sister in law than ever before. I visited the neighborhood where I grew
up and went to the place that was the happiest of my childhood, Acra. I
participated in the revitalization of a 1700’s cemetery and sat on the porch
with a childhood friend whose family dates back to the 1600’s in the area.
The bike was my transportation, my weekend ride and my interstate cruiser.
I was with a friend who is bored to death with retirement and another that
is busier now than when working. I visited my dear Aunt, who is suffering
from Alzheimer disease and is in a home, who affirmed my decision to live
life now. Not later, now. Getting on my bike and crossing the country to be
with my family and friends while I can remember it all, absorb it all, enjoy
it all, is what life is about. This Harley so far has done it all in all kinds of
weather. I went to West Point, Fort Montgomery and Marony’s HD which
by the way I am disappointed in. They were supposed to order me a part (you
know, the one that fell off) and call me within a few days and I haven’t heard
from them since. I bought one of their tee shirts to. I leave Monday, so they
are out of time. I will let Glendale deal with it when I get home. I still have
tomorrow, which I am going to my Uncle’s house to celebrate Father’s Day,
with my cousins. He is alone now, with my aunt away, and all of his offspring
with be there. I know he will enjoy it. (He was extremely happy and very
emotional having all of his immediate family around him for the first time
in many years. There was laughter, story telling, and much food in the house
once again. I sat there with my Uncle who is 86, and we listened to Sinatra,
with him recounting the days of old, WWII, his first case as an attorney, first
meeting my aunt, stories of my father, what a wonderful time.)
June 23rd Day 19: I have arrived in Chicago after two great days of riding.
If not for all the construction, which I have said, our roads need, it would
be over the top. I got wet a lot in NY but now it seems I am just one step
ahead of some major storms. One is in NY right now and I couldn’t have
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left at a better date. Yesterday and today though, the weather was perfect,
especially today. It had a tendency to be cloudy yesterday and it rained only
after I arrived in Akron, Ohio. I was already checked in and unloaded having
dinner at TGIF’s when it came down. Heavy downpour for about an hour
then it moved on. But I guess it picked up some friends when it got to the
east and it has been raining hard there. For me it was perfect because my
bike was filthy and the rain washed most of the bugs and dirt away. I just
wiped it down while it was still all wet. Came out pretty good to. So far, so
good with the bike. The primary is getting loud but it doesn’t seem to affect
its running and it only makes noise at idle on the down stroke. If it doesn’t
get any worse or break, I will take it to Glendale when I get home. Riding
though Pennsylvania and then Ohio is just beautiful. The fragrance of the
trees blooming and the flowers alongside the road added to the fresh air scent
that for me seems ‘heavy’ with oxygen. I know, it sounds crazy, but with all
the rain, the trees are so green, the flowers are everywhere, green lawns that
nobody has to water, the streams and rivers flowing, lakes full, it feels like
there is more oxygen. But fixing the roads is a task that is moving along as you
ride through the country. Since last year, there are longer and nicer strips of
highway available, with longer areas under construction right now. You have
to be patient with this, which takes everything in me not to go ‘California’
on them and split traffic, because they are everywhere and on every major
Hwy and spitting traffic is illegal and dangerous in construction zones. The
80 and 40 especially, and I would imagine it’s because they are part of the
major veins of this country. But no Hwy is immune, and it costs some cash
to get across Ohio and Indiana. Fourteen dollars to get through those states
and then it cost a buck to get into Illinois. Next time I’m getting EZTrac, then
you just go thru the tolls and it bills your credit card or something like that.
The gas pricing is still about a dollar a gallon cheaper than California and still
93 octane which appears to give the bike better gas mileage. When I arrived
in Chicago, I parked the bike and walked to dinner. The hotel is walking
distance from good restaurants and lakeside. The parking situation here is a
nightmare and I don’t know enough about the city to say’ park here’ it will be
cool. I paid $39 to park the bike overnight. I’m gonna try and have breakfast
with a friend tomorrow morning before heading out. There are supposed to
be more storms coming tomorrow afternoon to this area and I want to be well
out of here by then.
June 24th/25th: Day 20-21
Leaving Chicago was not as easy as entering. The traffic was a pain in
the neck and I split lanes because I was getting out of there. Of course, every
now and then someone would yell out the window ‘that’s not legal here’.
Yea, whatever. The ride going to Kansas City was one of the hardest of the
trip. Not only because of the traffic leaving, but the weather turned on me
in Iowa. I got soaked. It rained so hard I had to pull over because I couldn’t
see 20 feet in front of me. It starts to get dangerous. Then with the 40 footers
moving down the road, it becomes impossible to see. Usually, you can wait
out a storm until it lightens up. But this storm kept a steady pace of rain for 80
plus miles. It was exhausting because you’re on high alert all the time. I even
had to remove my glasses to see out the windshield. There were many lane
closures because of repairs being made to the highway, and constant delays.
But it’s all part of the adventure. It’s what makes riding across the country a
challenge to do. If it was easy, everybody would be doing it. The bike ran fine
and I was grateful that I started this trip with new tires. The bike was very
sure footed in the rain and handled well. The new fairing design keeps most
of the rain off you while riding unless it’s a downpour. Nothing helps then.
You just get wet. After it stopped raining it got humid and hot. I am not a fan
of humidity as I have said before and I was really happy when I arrived at the
motel. I got off the bike, registered, unloaded and sat in the AC in the room
for a good hour, not moving and drinking water. Finally I got the strength
to get up and go to dinner. I had a nice meal at the casino next to the hotel,
gambled a little, (lost) and went to the room exhausted. I showered and laid
down for a minute and the next thing I know, it’s morning..
When I got up the following day, I was refreshed and ready to go with
whatever nature had to throw at me. This was a 600 mile day and I had gained
and hour coming west and would gain another when arriving in Colorado. So
I had plenty of time to get there. With that frame of mind I went to breakfast
in the hotel. After eating I loaded the bike and it was a sparkling day. Crystal
clear and mild temperature, the day’s riding looked promising at least weather
wise. The route through Kansas is the 70. Straight and little traffic. There was
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no construction through most of the day and the weather got better as I went
through the state. The day I had imagined to be the hardest was now turning
out to be the easiest. Kansas is a pretty state but flat. The road is straight as an
arrow so you can do 80/85 all the way with just short gas stops. I did stop at
some rest stops and they were very nicely maintained. I made excellent time
and arrived in Colorado in mid-afternoon. The GPS took me in the back way
to my sisters in Monument, so the ride got better as it went along. I love that
thing. It takes the worry out of gas stops, wrong highway moves and alerts
you to traffic issues. The only mishap was I lost my favorite hat somewhere
in Kansas. It flew off my head while I was gazing around. I also met some
really nice people along the way from Virginia who were on their way to
Colorado. It was a father and son. The son, Jason, came over and started a
conversation with me about the bike and then told me about his ride last year.
He and his dad got on couple of Harleys and toured 18 states together. He
told me it was the best ride ever and made the relationship between father
and son as solid as rock. I love hearing stuff like this while riding around the
country. Also, I enjoy the option of wearing or not wearing a helmet. Most of
the Midwest doesn’t have helmet laws for people over 21 with Missouri and
Nebraska being the exceptions. Whether I wear or not wear a helmet for me
depends what roads I’m riding and what the weather conditions are. Mostly,
I like having the choice. That to me is real freedom. I wish all the states would
stop trying to protect us so much. That subject is for another day. Well, I am
holding out in Colorado at my sisters an extra day to clean up the bike, do
laundry and rest. The next two days the mission is to get home.
June 26-28th Day 22/23:
The ride from Monument to Burbank is a challenge to do in two days. It’s
about 1100 miles with the first day being pretty nice. The weather again was
changing as I left Colorado to the rainy side and to be frank, at this point I
have had enough of rain. I had no idea, in a short 24 hours I would give my
first born for moisture in the air. But riding thru Colorado is so beautiful. The
scenery is just breathtaking and they highways are so well maintained. By
the time I got to Cedar City, Utah it was in the high 90’s with no moisture
in the air. None. Zip. I went to my room and just stayed in the in AC for
the remainder of the night. When I left Cedar City for home, at 5am, it was
already 82 degrees, and when I arrived in Baker at 8AM it was 99 degrees. I
left early in the AM for the intent purpose of beating the heat. I guess its all
relative because by 2PM Baker was 112. The 15 is a boring ride but facilitates
getting to your destination in a timely fashion with plenty of stops along the
way. It is a must you stay hydrated riding thru the desert. It is so dry that you
don’t even realize you’re losing moisture from your body. I stay covered for as
long as I can with a long sleeve shirt and a hat or helmet to keep the sun off
my head. Every gas stop I drink water only, and maybe just a protein bar. In
my opinion, while riding in extreme heat it is better to eat as little as possible
but still keep my stamina up with the bars and a good amount of water.
Sometimes Gatorade is necessary to get the electro lights up in your system
but that is only occasionally because for me it makes me want to drink more.
The other thing I do is wet my shirt, hat or scarf with cool water. It’s amazing
how long that will keep you cooler than normal. The other important factor
is: pay attention to how you feel. Heat exhaustion can hit you before you
realize it, so if you feel light headed or your vision is starting to go a bit hazy,
it is time to sit in the shade, drink water and wait a while for your body to
absorb the water. Coming into the Los Angeles area with all the traffic and
noise makes me want to turn around and do it again. So I am leaving for
Sturgis on the 29th of July, then back to Colorado for a week or two.
In final conclusion, this was a trip of a lifetime times two. If you have
never ridden across this beautiful country of ours, it’s time you start
planning. Whether you wait until you retire like I did or you plan a month’s
vacation to do it, it is the most rewarding thing a biker can do. The sense of
accomplishment, the grateful attitude you acquire while riding a machine
you love, and a lifestyle like only we know, is reinforced by all of our senses
working at the same time. I have been riding since I was 17 years old and the
feeling of excitement is still the same today as it was then. The beauty and
freedom of America is put on a canvas for all to see. Get on that bike of yours,
tell the kids you will send them postcards from where you were and live life to
the fullest. It is the only one we have.
BY Gary A.
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Quick Throttle Southwest
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