Pinky's Motorcycle Adventures

Pinkys Motorcycle Passion

2011-06-28T04:58:00.002-05:00

Please visit me at my new website: http://pinkysmotorcyclepassion.com

I rode mineI

2011-02-13T08:29:00.001-06:00

I rode yesterday, and what a great joy it was. February riding in Louisiana is not only possible, but probable. We had temperatures that nearly reached 60 degrees, sunny skies and no wind, making for near perfect riding conditions. The Bossier City Harley Owner's Group meeting was a great opportunity to hook up with friends and see what is being planned for the coming riding season. It looks like we'll be doing lots of riding, eating, and having fun! While at the meeting, I registered for the Louisiana State HOG rally which will be held in Alexandria the end of March and beginning of April. I've got my registration completed and my hotel booked; I'm so looking forward to it. I also signed up for the HOG Chapter Iron Butt competition which will determine who rides the most miles this year. I intend to take home that trophy, so watch out ladies!

After the meeting, I rode out to the lake and visited one of my favorite locations, Our Place Bar and Grill, and then went to Harley's Pub to help my son, Nathan, celebrate his 21st birthday!

Does riding your motorcycle make you a better driver?

2011-02-08T20:05:00.000-06:00

When I first began riding, I had no idea that the experience I gained on a motorcycle would make me a better driver in my car. But, it has. And, if you think about it, it has probably made you a better driver, too.

Since I've been riding I've noticed when I'm in my car I tend to give the two finger salute to riders I pass on the road -- even though they probably can't see my gesture through the dark tinted windows. I also notice that I'm constantly scanning the road with my eyes to determine if there are any dangers ahead. I try to decide if the vehicle in front of me might suddenly come to a stop, or if the car on a side road might pull out in front of me to make a left hand turn. I've been known to slow down when I spot a stray animal on the side of the road, anticipating that it might dart out in front of me, and I look for trash or dangerous items in the middle of my lane. I'm aware of vehicles carrying large loads that can come loose and possibly hit my car unexpectedly. And, I prepare for my reaction in all those situations. I can't imagine having this response in a car prior to my motorcycle riding experience.

In order to get a driver's license, I had to take driver's education, but I've never taken another driving course since. But, since I've been riding a motorcycle, I've taken the basic motorcycle course offered by the MSF and the Rider's Edge Advanced Course offered by Harley-Davidson. And, I took them of my own volition. Both of these courses helped make me a better motorcycle rider and as a bonus, a better driver. If you get a chance, taking these courses periodically can help you to hone your skills and may just save your life one day. To find out about courses locally, contact your local motorcycle dealership or log on to the Motorcycle Safety Foundation search engine and choose Louisiana. A complete list with information including city locations, web sites, and phone numbers will be displayed. You'll find that local area classes are listed for both Shreveport and Bossier City, as well as Barksdale AFB.

You don't have much to lose, so why not take a refresher course today.

Super Bowl is history

2011-02-07T05:54:00.000-06:00

Image by Getty Images via @daylifeCongratulations to the Green Bay Packers who beat the Pittsburgh Steelers last night in the Super Bowl 31-25. I stayed home all afternoon Saturday and all day Sunday nursing a cold. This is the first year I can remember that I didn't either have a Super Bowl party or attend a Super Bowl party. In fact, I fell asleep just after half time and had to check out nfl.com this morning to see who won. Of course I was rooting for the Cowboys. WTF - they weren't there! Damn, there's always next year. At least it was played in their stadium. So, I rooted for the underdogs, the Packers, who made a phenomenal comeback mid season.

I didn't find the commercials overly funny, but then I was sick and sober, not a good combination for humor. Of those that I saw, I'd have to say the bears stealing the McDonald's brought a little chuckle. You can watch all the commercials on nfl.com.

PGR Mission

2011-01-29T08:09:00.002-06:00

Jerry "White Bear" Peter, U.S.

Army Veteran, Vietnam Veteran,

passed away at
his home, Tuesday,

January 25, 2011.
His wife has asked the PGR

to participate.

Jerry rode with the PGR and the
Southern Cruisers.

This will be a two part mission.

Part One:
Flag Line
Sunday, 2 PM - 4 PM
Roseneath South, 2500 Southside Drive
Shreveport, La.
Link: http://mapq.st/fnOHnx
Ride Captain: Bill "Spook" Barnes
 
Part Two: 
Flag Line
Monday, 2 PM
Northwest Veterans Cemetery
Mike Clark Road
Keithville, La.
Link: http://mapq.st/ifiAcc
Ride Captain: Louis McGinty
 
There will be no escort from the funeral home.
 
Standing For Those Who Stood For Us,

Where am I now

2011-01-27T21:22:00.000-06:00

Sitting here working the keyboard -- 100 things to do today to keep the business moving forward. Just finished my article for next month's issue of Whiteline Magazine. Shadow, editor and owner of the magazine, gave me my first gig writing in the national arena, and I thank him profusely. With the exception of the period after my brother passed away last year, I have always met his deadlines and provided content for his magazine, and I'll continue to make time for him, no matter how busy I get.

Today I contacted a couple of prospective advertisers. This job requires selling, something that's not always my strong suit, but when it's a passion that I'm selling, it's a little bit easier. This is an area I continue to work on.

I posted a new slide show on the website titled "riding in the Bayou state" and updated the header of the page. And, I did some internet searches for some flip page layouts. Still searching for the right one that's cost effective. Anyone have any suggestions, please let me know.

And, for fun, today I started to plan a trip to Little Rock to a swap meet in February. Whoo Hoo! I always get excited about road trips.

And, for fun, I rode my brother's tribute bike, Alice, to work and back. Lacey's getting jealous, so I'll ride her tomorrow!

And, for fun, I had the chance to share some t.v. time with my 8 year old grand daughter. You gotta love some scooby doo and ICarly!

Starting a business doing what you love

2011-01-25T18:21:00.000-06:00

For a long time, I've wanted to put my love of motorcycling and riding into a tangible business I can conduct and make a profit (or at least a living) from. I've toyed with several different businesses; selling patches, t-shirts, and finally writing. I've always been a writer, if not a professional, a writer that friends say they enjoy reading the works of. So, I started writing for Whiteline Magazine, a premiere online motorcycle mag, about five years ago. Then I moved on to the HOG chapter newsletter, and finally opened a blog. None of those made me any money, but still I enjoyed doing it, and made a lot of contacts and friends in the mc community. And then I started making a little cash by writing for the Shreveport Motorcycle Travel Examiner. I've done that for a couple years, and have built up quite a following. Last year I started taking freelance writing jobs on Elance. This year, I decided to put my writing to work and start a business that will hopefully, eventually, through a lot of blood, sweat and tears, be profitable, and that will be mine and my husband's.

There are two things I love to do -- ride my motorcycle and write. And, I especially enjoy writing about my riding adventures. So I opened a web site, pinkysmotorcyclepassion, and am in the process of converting it to a full blown monthly publication. Right now it's geared toward the Shreveport area, but one day, it will be a national print publication. One has to dream big, I say! In any case, I'm going to use this blog to talk about the business and the things I do on a daily basis to keep it going and build it up. Readers should realize that I also work a full time 40 hour a week job and have several free lance writing commitments. I will continue to do that as well as get the business going. But, I want to use this blog as a log of real time efforts from one person to create something impressive, if only to myself. LOL. And, a guide to others on the process of creating a business.

With the web site open, I'm now busy getting advertisers. Today I secured a new advertiser and each time I do that it is money in the bank. Of course, a lot of the money goes back to the business to pay for supplies, travel and expenses of getting the stories. Obviously, this is what I enjoy doing, but I also have a goal to provide the best possible, up to date motorcycle industry news to my readers, and especially provide ride stories which will be the bulk of the magazine as it progresses. I try to update the website daily so it will be fresh and will drive traffic to it.

Feel free to leave comments and suggestions for success in this endeavor.

Funeral in Tucson

2011-01-13T23:22:00.001-06:00

Image via WikipediaFuneral of nine year old girl held in Tucson; motorcyclists join mourners in flag line
January 13, 2011
Today thousands gathered in Tucson, Arizona, as nine year old, Christina Taylor Green, was laid to rest. American flags lined the streets and hundreds of motorcycles were there to honor the little girl whose tragic death hit the nation hard. Six people lost their lives in the shooting spree,and 14 were injured, including Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, who was the intended target of the gunman. Certainly some of the motorcyclists were members of the Patriot Guard, who individually vowed to protect the family from protesters, namely the Westboro Baptist Church, famous for protesting at soldier's funerals and high profile memorials, and issued a flier on their website stating their intent to protest the funerals of the Tucson shootings. But it was not an official Patriot Guard mission. The Patriot Guard, posted on their website the following statement:

"We have received many inquiries regarding our presence at the memorial and funeral services of the victims of this terrible tragedy.
The Patriot Guard Riders are not a counter protest group. We have a very specific mission statement that focuses on our Fallen Heroes that have served our country and citizens. As a non-profit organization we are bound by law to adhere to our mission statement. Violating that could prevent the organization from continuing to honor our fallen military and first responders.
We understand the sorrow these families are experiencing and offer our condolences in their loss and hope that no protesters will attempt to twist their pain for some media exposure. The best way to prevent these folks from attending funerals is to deny them media coverage and attention. That is the only reason they would be there."

Christina was born on the day of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. A flag from the World Trade Center, brought to Tucson by representatives of the New York City Fire Department, flew outside the church for the funeral.

On Tuesday, the Arizona legislature enacted funeral protest legislation that bars protests within 300 feet of a funeral and within an hour from its beginning or end. Arizona Governor, Jan Brewer, said "Such despicable acts of emotional terrorism will not be tolerated in the State of Arizona. This legislation will assure that the victims of Saturday's tragic shooting in Tucson will be laid to rest in peace with the full dignity and respect that they deserve."

*Some information obtained from the New York Times and AP News wire

Want to read about motorcycle adventures? E-book coming soon.

2011-01-13T06:58:00.000-06:00

O.K. I've been working on a book of my favorite stories and decided to make it available in e-book form. I've still got a little work to do. But, in the next month, you can look forward to a compilation of the best stories. From monsters to deer, rallies to bridges, it will all be in there. Stay tuned and don't miss the introductory offer. You'll be able to read on line, or download and read at your leisure.

Patriot Guard Riders Mission - John Cameron Durst

2011-01-10T19:58:00.000-06:00

Image by Getty Images via @daylifeThis is the final itinerary for the Patriot Guard Riders Mission to honor John Cameron Durst, 67, US Navy RMC/E-7 Retired of Bossier City, Louisiana. His family has requested that the PGR be present at his service. The mission is a go and all contacts have been made. John passed away, Saturday, Jan 8, 2011. He was born Aug 9, 1944. Memorial services will be held at noon Wednesday, January 12, at Boone Funeral Home, 2156 Airline Drive in Bossier City.

He is survived by Mager "Maggie" Leaner Garza Durst.

This mission will be an escort from the funeral home and a flag line at the Northwest Louisiana Veteran's Cemetery in Keithville, Louisiana. A short graveside ceremony will follow.

Staging: 11:30 Wednesday, January 12, at Boone Funeral Home. Please remain flexible as to the requirements of the mission. All groups, clubs, independents, etc. are welcome. The only prerequisite is RESPECT! Also, remember, you do not have to ride a motorcycle to participate. The flag line is open to all who would like to show their honor and respect. Stand tall and proud as you honor this fallen veteran.

Weather report: 36 degrees, 7 mph wind. Dress warm and ride safe.

For more information, contact Road Captain, Bill Barnes, barneshhc375@hotmail.com or 318-503-2872.

New Website Updated

2011-01-09T21:10:00.000-06:00

Stop by my new website and see all the great updates; I've moved ride stories and road trips to the site, as well as events and links. Let me know what you think!

We ride

2011-01-08T06:04:00.000-06:00

According to Wikipedia, Shreveport is the third-largest city and the principal city of the fourth largest metropolitan area in the U.S. state of Louisiana, as well as being the 109th-largest city in the United States. Shreveport is a city with a population of just over 200,000 and a metropolitan area of over 375,0000 (according to the 2000 census). Located in the northwest corner of the state, it's a great place to ride. From anywhere in the city, in just ten minutes a rider can be out of town, riding on a country road with their knees in the wind. Shreveport is a southern state, and southern hospitality is abundant. Unlike some unfriendly cities in the United States, you'll feel a welcome air of relief when you ride in Shreveport. With biker friendly establishments and a large Harley Owner's Group, this is the place for Harley riders. And in Shreveport, January doesn't mean that the bikes are put away for the winter and hooked up to the battery tenders. No, January in Shreveport means riding. With temperatures sometimes reaching the mid 70's, it's no wonder so many folks settle down here. The Bossier City Harley Owner's Group represents Harley riders in this area. Their monthly meeting is today at 10:30 at the Bossier City Harley Dealership, 2225 Autoplex Drive in Bossier City. The group is open to all local Harley Riders. The only requirement is to own a Harley and be a member of the National HOG group. The secretary of the HOG chapter can help you fill out the paperwork to get the membership started. And then, you can sit back and relax while they make ride plans and schedule events for members. And, yes they ride in January. And, you can bet members of the group will be riding to the meeting on their Harleys today. This member will! Maybe I'll see you there.

As always, you can read my stories on the Shreveport Motorcycle Travel Examiner page. I also have opened a new web site and blog which will become my primary means of providing riding information and stories to the Shreveport community. Check it out at Pinkys Motorcycle Passion.

New Website and Blog

2011-01-06T21:55:00.001-06:00

In the first week of 2011, I completed one of my major goals. I have a new website and blog! Of course, it's only two days old, so I have a lot more information to place on it, I have advertisers to seek, and design elements to refine. The primary focus of the website is motorcycle travel in and around Shreveport. If you're interested in advertising, shoot me an email, or send me a private FB message. Ride Safe and Have Fun, my Friends! 2011 is going to be great! http://www.pinkysmotorcyclepassion.com/

Happy New Year

2011-01-01T19:15:00.000-06:00

Happy New Year! I began 2010 with 40,336 miles on my bike Lacey, a 2006 Dyna Street Bob and finished with 49,885, a gain of just under 10K - 9,549 to be exact. It is what it is, and I enjoyed every one of those miles. The only goal, as far as miles go, this year is to ride safe and have fun, experience new adventures, see new places, and meet new friends. I'm sure that's one goal I can accomplish. I had the distinct pleasure of riding with several of my friends today to ring in the New Year, and can honestly say I wouldn't have had it any other way.

My wish for all my riding friends is the same; ride safe, have fun, experience new things and places and make new friends. So, with that said. Get out there and ride!

Honest Harley Davidson Commercial

2010-12-31T07:50:00.000-06:00

Harley Davidson Computers

2010-12-31T07:44:00.000-06:00

Goodbye 2010

2010-12-31T06:12:00.000-06:00

Image via WikipediaIt seems like the year has gone by so fast, yet when I look back, so much happened, and it was sprinkled with good and bad. But, isn't that life? Today is the last day of 2010, and I say goodbye with mixed emotions. Even while others say "good riddance 2010", or "can't wait to see 2011", I understand that some things are beyond our control and others can be negotiated to improve our position. Bad things happen to good people and good things happen to bad people. But, good things also happen to good people and bad things also happen to bad people. When life feels overwhelming I try to reflect on the positive and all the good things I have in my life and the future that lurks just around the corner, ready to be molded into memories of the past. My family and I struggled last year with the passing of my brother, Johnny, and it seemed to dominate our lives. At the same time, my sister lost her husband, and it felt as though things couldn't get any worse. Those are the bad things, but as I reflect I can honestly say the good things are abundant and amidst all that sorrow, our family is fortunate to have each other and our friends. So I am thankful for 2010 and look forward to 2011 and the New Year. Bring it on.

Preliminary planning for May 2011 trip to Minnesota

2010-12-29T05:01:00.000-06:00

Image via Wikipedia

Shreveport, LA

1.	Head north on Clyde Fant Memorial Pkwy	98 ft
2.	Keep left at the fork	0.1 mi
3.	Continue onto Grimmett Dr	0.2 mi
4.	Turn left at N Common St	0.3 mi
5.	Take the 1st right onto US-71 N/N Market St Continue to follow US-71 N Entering Arkansas	40.5 mi
6.	Turn right at AR-549 N (signs for I-30/AR-245)	24.9 mi
7.	Keep right at the fork, follow signs for AR-245 N/Little Rock and merge onto AR-245 N	6.6 mi
8.	Turn left to merge onto I-30 W toward US-77	1.8 mi
9.	Take exit 223B to merge onto US-59 N/US-71 N/N Stateline Ave toward Ashdown Continue to follow US-59 N/US-71 N Passing through Texas Entering Arkansas	51.1 mi
10.	Turn right at US-71 N/N Lakeside Dr Continue to follow US-71 N	121 mi
11.	Merge onto I-540 N via the ramp to I-40	89.7 mi
12.	Continue onto US-71 N/Bella Vista Way Continue to follow US-71 N Entering Missouri	49.6 mi
13.	Take the exit onto I-44 E/US-71 N toward Springfield/Kansas City	6.8 mi
14.	Take exit 18B to merge onto US-71 N toward Carthage Kansas City/Kansas City	138 mi
15.	Take the exit onto I-435 N toward Des Moines	37.3 mi
16.	Merge onto I-29 N Entering Iowa	158 mi
17.	Take exit 47 for US-275 N/IA-92 toward Lake Manawa	0.3 mi
18.	Turn left at NE-92 W/IA-92 W/US-275 N Continue to follow NE-92 W/US-275 N Entering Nebraska	5.7 mi
19.	Turn right at S 13th St	1.1 mi
20.	Turn right to merge onto I-80 E toward US-275/NE-92 Entering Iowa	1.6 mi
21.	Take exit 1A on the left to merge onto I-29 N toward Sioux City Passing through South Dakota Entering North Dakota	540 mi
22.	Take exit 187 toward Drayton	0.2 mi
23.	Turn right at N Dakota 66 E/80th St NE Entering Minnesota	1.7 mi
24.	Continue onto MN-11 E	48.0 mi
25.	Turn left to stay on MN-11 E	22.8 mi
26.	Turn right at Main Ave N	0.1 mi

Roseau, MN

27.	Head north on Main Ave S toward Center St W	0.1 mi
28.	Take the 3rd right onto MN-11 E/3rd St NE Continue to follow MN-11 E	122 mi
29.	Turn right at MN-332 N/Co Rd 69 Continue to follow MN-332 N	3.0 mi
30.	Turn right at US-53 S	155 mi
31.	Turn right at US-53 S/Trinity Rd Continue to follow US-53 S	4.0 mi
32.	Keep left at the fork to continue toward I-535 S/US-53 S	413 ft
33.	Keep right at the fork, follow signs for I-535/US-53/Wisconsin and merge onto I-535 S/US-53 S Entering Wisconsin	2.6 mi
34.	Continue onto Hammond Ave	1.0 mi
35.	Turn left at US-2 E/Belknap St Continue to follow US-2 E	1.4 mi
36.	Turn right at US-53 S/E 2nd St Continue to follow US-53 S	65.7 mi
37.	Continue straight to stay on US-53 S	84.3 mi
38.	Take exit 84A to merge onto I-94 E toward Madison/Chicago	239 mi
39.	Take exit 310B for I-43 N	0.6 mi
40.	Take exit 72C for Kilbourn	0.3 mi
41.	Slight right at W Kilbourn Ave	0.6 mi
42.	Turn right at N Milwaukee St	0.2 mi

Milwaukee, WI

43.	Head south on N Milwaukee St toward E Wisconsin Ave	0.1 mi
44.	Take the 2nd left onto E Michigan St	0.1 mi
45.	Take the 2nd right onto N Jackson St	423 ft
46.	Slight right to stay on N Jackson St	59 ft
47.	Take the ramp to I-94 E	0.2 mi
48.	Merge onto I-794 W	0.3 mi
49.	Take exit 1B to merge onto I-43 S/I-94 E/US-41 S toward Chicago	6.2 mi
50.	Continue onto I-43 S/I-894 W	5.2 mi
51.	Take exit 4 on the left to merge onto I-43 S/US-45 S toward Beloit Continue to follow I-43 S	60.6 mi
52.	Take exit 1A to merge onto I-39 S/I-90 E toward Chicago Partial toll road Entering Illinois	20.1 mi
53.	Take the I-39 S/US-20/US-51 exit toward Rockford	0.2 mi
54.	Merge onto I-39 S/US-51 S	2.8 mi
55.	Take the exit onto I-39 S/US-51 S toward Bloomington Normal	22.2 mi
56.	Take exit 97B to merge onto I-88 W toward Moline Rock Island Partial toll road	78.5 mi
57.	Take exit 1A to merge onto I-80 E	7.1 mi
58.	Continue onto I-74 E	31.4 mi
59.	Take exit 46A to merge onto US-34 W toward Monmouth	21.6 mi
60.	Continue onto US-67 S	30.7 mi
61.	Turn right at W Calhoun St	0.3 mi
62.	Turn right at US-136 W/Fap 53/W Jackson St Continue to follow US-136 W	10.5 mi
63.	Turn right at US-136 W/FAP 342 Continue to follow US-136 W	13.7 mi
64.	Continue onto IL-336 S	32.3 mi
65.	Continue onto I-172 S	19.3 mi
66.	Take exit 0 to merge onto I-72 W toward Hannibal Entering Missouri	6.2 mi
67.	Take the exit toward New London	0.2 mi
68.	Turn left at McMasters Ave	2.4 mi
69.	Continue onto US-61 S/Route St Continue to follow US-61 S	7.9 mi
70.	Take the MO-19 exit toward New London Center	0.2 mi
71.	Turn right at MO-19 S	35.1 mi
72.	Turn right at US-54 W	10.5 mi
73.	Turn left to stay on US-54 W	87.4 mi
74.	Turn right at Bagnell Dam Blvd/US-54 BUS W Continue to follow US-54 BUS W	2.5 mi
75.	Turn left at State Hwy Mm	7.6 mi
76.	Turn left at State Hwy Tt	1.1 mi
77.	Turn right to stay on State Hwy Tt	0.7 mi
78.	Take the 1st right onto State Hwy F	0.6 mi
79.	Turn right at MO-5 N	2.2 mi
80.	Turn left at Sunset Hills Dr	102 ft

Sunrise Beach, MO

81.	Head northeast on Sunset Hills Dr toward Sunset Blvd	102 ft
82.	Turn right at MO-5 S/Sunset Blvd Continue to follow MO-5 S	17.2 mi
83.	Turn left at MO-5 S/MO-7 S Continue to follow MO-5 S	22.3 mi
84.	Turn left at N Jefferson Ave	1.6 mi
85.	Turn right to merge onto I-44 W	46.6 mi
86.	Take exit 82A to merge onto US-65 S toward Branson Entering Arkansas	74.5 mi
87.	Turn left at US-65 S/Arkmo Dr Continue to follow US-65 S	108 mi
88.	Turn left to merge onto I-40 E/US-65 S	28.0 mi
89.	Slight right at US-65 S	0.4 mi
90.	Continue onto I-30 W	2.5 mi
91.	Take exit 139B to merge onto I-630 W	1.7 mi
92.	Take exit 2B for Dr Martin Luther King Jr Dr	0.1 mi
93.	Keep right at the fork, follow signs for State Capitol Complex	75 ft
94.	Turn right at Dr Martin Luther King Dr/Martin Luther King Dr/M L King Continue to follow Dr Martin Luther King Dr/Martin Luther King Dr	157 ft
95.	Take the 1st left onto W 7th St	400 ft
96.	Turn right at State Capitol	0.1 mi
97.	Slight right to stay on State Capitol	256 ft

Little Rock, AR

98.	Head north on State Capitol toward Capitol Mall	456 ft
99.	State Capitol turns slightly right and becomes Capitol Mall	115 ft
100.	Continue onto W 4th St	341 ft
101.	Slight right at Woodlane St	0.3 mi
102.	Turn left to merge onto I-630 E	1.5 mi
103.	Take exit 139B to merge onto I-30 W toward Texarkana	137 mi
104.	Take exit 2 toward Airport	0.2 mi
105.	Turn left at AR-245 S	6.1 mi
106.	Take exit 1 to merge onto AR-549 S toward Shreveport	25.4 mi
107.	Turn left at US-71 S (signs for AR-549) Entering Louisiana	41.4 mi
108.	Turn left at Caddo St/State Route 173	0.2 mi
109.	Turn left at Clyde Fant Memorial Pkwy/Clyde Fant Pkwy Continue to follow Clyde Fant Memorial Pkwy	0.5 mi

Shreveport, LA

Show on Google Maps

Merry Christmas

2010-12-25T03:22:00.000-06:00

Image by BZMomma via FlickrMerry Christmas to all my friends and family. To my fellow riders, I hope you were nice and not naughty this year, and that Santa left shiny chrome under your Christmas tree. Please try to remember today all the family members who are spending their day in foreign lands fighting for and preserving our freedoms. It is because of them that we can openly celebrate this day.

First day of Winter calls for a bike ride

2010-12-22T04:56:00.000-06:00

This week I've been blessed with good riding weather and yesterday had the opportunity to ride in record breaking temperatures. The thermometer rose to 82, and was a record broken from 1892 when it was 78 degrees. It provides a great feel of freedom to ride any time, but in the winter time, it's even better. I know I had a smile on my face the entire time.

If you look for Me at Christmas

2010-12-20T17:37:00.000-06:00

Riding in December

2010-12-20T04:13:00.000-06:00

December 19th and riding my Harley. You can't ask for anything better than that. I'm such a lucky girl, and trust me, I'm thankful for my riches, which are abundant. Not so much money in the bank, but plenty of friends in my arsenal. Today as the sun reached high noon, Ric and I saddled up the Harleys and rode to one of our favorite locations, Lake Bistineau. We watched some of the Saints game at Camp Joy, enjoyed visiting with old friends and one other lone rider at Roger's Marina, and had steak at Our Place Bar and Grill. The steak dinner was served at 4:30 and by 5:15 we were on the bikes heading for home. As the sun dropped behind the horizon, the temperatures also dropped, but we pulled into our driveway just before the darkness rolled in.

It was a great day to ride and visit!

182 pages unedited, and I'm exhausted

2010-12-02T20:28:00.000-06:00

Image via WikipediaI feel like crap, but writing takes my mind off of it, and today I worked on my book, which I've been writing for some time. I'm up to 162 pages of unedited content, and have quite a bit more to share. But, when finished, I'll have a compilation of my motorcycle adventures to share with the world, or to just read when I'm old and gray and revel in my joys of motorcycle travel.
Whew! Time to take a break, and some more medicine. Yes, beer is medicine!

And Kentucky leaves four

2010-11-18T05:36:00.000-06:00

I have a bucket list, and riding every state in the lower 48 has been on it for awhile. In September, I was fortunate enough to take a 16 day trip across the Eastern United States and checked many states off the list. Unfortunately, I was unable to visit Kentucky due to some delays in the trip, but this past weekend I checked it off the list, too. When I realized I had four days off in conjunction with Veteran's Day, I decided to take a last minute road trip to Kentucky. I contacted a fellow Examiner in Louisville, Patty Davis, whom I've only had internet contact with, but felt like I knew her. She informed me that the Easyriders motorcycle show would be in Louisville, and welcomed me to stay with her. It was a special trip and I was delighted to meet her and her husband, Dave. I felt like I already knew her as we pulled up to her house and exchanged hugs. Now, there are only four states left, and a late spring or early summer trip next year will be taken to fill in Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota and Wisconsin. Then what will I do? Ride Hawaii? Ride Alaska? Tour South America? So many options, and some new goals to think about. In any case, I'll continue to ride and have fun and meet new friends along the way. What more could a girl ask for?

We joined Motorcycle Travel Network

2010-10-11T13:57:00.000-05:00

Check out Motorcycle Travel Network. Meet fellow motorcycle enthusiasts, host them in your home, and stay in their home when you're traveling.