There are many different elements to this story. The small picture is about a defiant ranching family who has whittled out a life in the wilds of the American west. Bunkerville, Nv. is in the middle of nowhere. It is close to the borders of Arizona and Utah. 80miles North East of Las Vegas. This family has been on this land sense the 1870's. Their stand against the federal government has brought to light many different issues that in my opinion, are the reason for Americans to be concerned. Here are a few of them.
1) The federal government claims ownership of the land. This in and of itself is the biggest issue to me.. Our federal government has "Assumed" responsibility and authority over 89% of the land mass of the State of Nevada. Not only is this unconstitutional at the federal and state levels, it is also of detriment to the state. (no property tax paid to the state for that land). Nevada is not alone in this situation.. The federal government has be systematically claiming more and more land in all the States.. Yes, there is a need for our federal government to claim and manage land to benefit the Nations interests, i.e., military bases and state parks. This country was founded with the understanding that any land within the boundaries of a State were owned and managed by that state..
Our Federal government has overtime used its position to claim dominion over all the states.. In the 1970's the federal gov. mandated to the States that if the states did not limit their hi way speeds to 70mph the Federal Gov. would withhold their federal road funds.. In the 80's they did the same thing with drunk driving laws. In the 90's they started putting pressure on the states in regards to gun control laws and the list goes on and on.. Our federal gov. has assumed these responsibilities and in doing so have overstepped the bounds of their authority.
2)The Federal gov. used the plight of the desert tortoise to assert their authority and push their agenda. We need to look no further than the pacific northwest in the 1990's to see how our federal government used the Spotted owl to disrupt a local economy and then lay claim to hundreds of thousands of acres in Washington and Oregon. Every time this has happened it has been found out that the research was flawed but then it was too late, the damage to local economies had been done and the land was no longer free.. The desert Tortoise sanctuary has been closed down do to a lack of funding and some of the tortoises have been euthanized.. I hope that you and I never sold on the idea of being placed in a government run sanctuary. I'm sure that the outcome would be the same.
3) The Majority speaker, Senator Harry Reid, Nev. Has been tied to a land deal for 9000 acres of this "federal land" to be sold to a Chinese energy company for a solar farm and the manufacture of solar panels. The first question that entered my mind was, it will be a hell of a daily commute for the workers cause there aint no one that lives in the area.. It has come to light that Harry Reids son, a Clark county commissioner had been retained as legal council for the chinese energy company. At the very least, Senetor harry reid has once again used his family and his political position to benefit himself and his family. By stepping on the backs of the American people harry reid has once again lined his own pockets.. and why has there not been more public outrage in regards to this corruption ? Because the main stream media will not cover these issues.. Can you imagine The US attorney general bringing charges against the senate majority leader. ??
one of the issues that was voiced by locals while i was at the ranch was this.. The Department of the Interior and the BLM are federal entities. The people who are voting on these issues at the federal level have not been voted for or elected by the People of Nevada. They feel that they have no representation. This has become the norm here in the land of the free and the home of the brave.
I've said it before and here I will say it again.... The only solution is to get back to State Run Government.. The power and authority of the Federal Gov. should be limited. Currently there are 294 departments in the Federal Gov. Each state has a corresponding office for each department. We as a country were founded with the belief that each state as independent. each state chose to join the union for the collective good of the States. Our Federal Gov. has turned our country into "The 50 identical states of America". Think about this.. State run government. WE THE PEOPLE. Accountability.
In closing, I want to share with you one last story of Big Government abuse.
We have all heard about "The Americans With Disabilities Act". It makes sense to me. We as a people are better off for this kind of legislation BUT.... because it is run at the federal level it doesn't always work at the state level.
A friend of mine is a cattle rancher just north of Sturgis, SD. He is also on the local school board. One day we talked about The federal Gov. suing his school district $700,000 because the two story school building does not have an elevator. The law states that the public school has to be handicap accessible . The Federal law does not take into account that this public school building was built in 1890. But here is the kicker.. sense the doors opened in 1890 the school has never had a handicap student enrolled. The taxpayers in that district are being bullied by the federal government. Some people think its the responsibility of the federal government to address every issue in an Americans life.. I disagree completely..
We, as Americans need to redefine the purpose, responsibilities and authority of OUR federal Government. It is my opinion that the definition can be found in The Constitution of The United States of America (notice in the title of the document the words UNITED STATES). The declaration of Independence and The Bill of Rights..
Until next time,
Peace&Grease
Tuesday, April 29, 2014
Friday, April 25, 2014
part two... Beyond the Bundy ranch.
there has been so much mid information that we as Americans, don't know what to believe anymore..
I talked with a local woman and her mother. They were bringing water in 200gallon tanks for cooking and cleaning..we were talking about the $1.1mil fine that the government says the Bundys owe.. Here is her explanation.
when the BLM counts the cattle on an alotment, the count from the air and they count them all.. About half the cattle in the Bundy herd are not Bundys. She called them slick ears. Cattle with no brand, no ear tags no ownership. These cows have been wild on the open range. The state of Nevada has claimed ownership of the wild animals. A rancher cannot sell cattle that they do not own. The federal government is including the wild cows into the Bundy count and charging them fines for the tresspass cattle...
there are people who feel that they should pay their fines to the Federal government. I disagree. This family has seen the federal government systematically put ALL the other ranchers out of business.. A total of 53 ranching operations closed down. The ranchers of this area are a hearty lot.. They have whittled out a life in the middle of nowhere. The Bundys raise cows, horses, lamb, chickens, melons and 6-8 cuttings of alfalfa a year. And they raise kids.. 14 in all. Cliven married a second time after his first wife past from cancer. A family of the Mormon faith, a teatotaler and a man who is well respected by the community.
I witnessed a group of over 100 men armed and dedicated to the cause. These men and women belonged to The Oathkeepers and different malitias from all across America.. These people are resolute in their mission.. that mission is this, protect the Bundys from assassination and to protect the sovereignty of The State. No one that I talked to came across as the crazy who wants to send the first bullet.. These people have studied the generational disolve of our State rights.. I heard this quote several times. " if there be trouble let it be in my day that my children will know peace". Tomas Payne, A Revolutionist.... This is not just a Nevada issue.. It is happening all over the country. Look at the red river area of texas/Oklahoma. There is no better Stewart of the land than the man who lives on it...
more to follow.
I talked with a local woman and her mother. They were bringing water in 200gallon tanks for cooking and cleaning..we were talking about the $1.1mil fine that the government says the Bundys owe.. Here is her explanation.
when the BLM counts the cattle on an alotment, the count from the air and they count them all.. About half the cattle in the Bundy herd are not Bundys. She called them slick ears. Cattle with no brand, no ear tags no ownership. These cows have been wild on the open range. The state of Nevada has claimed ownership of the wild animals. A rancher cannot sell cattle that they do not own. The federal government is including the wild cows into the Bundy count and charging them fines for the tresspass cattle...
there are people who feel that they should pay their fines to the Federal government. I disagree. This family has seen the federal government systematically put ALL the other ranchers out of business.. A total of 53 ranching operations closed down. The ranchers of this area are a hearty lot.. They have whittled out a life in the middle of nowhere. The Bundys raise cows, horses, lamb, chickens, melons and 6-8 cuttings of alfalfa a year. And they raise kids.. 14 in all. Cliven married a second time after his first wife past from cancer. A family of the Mormon faith, a teatotaler and a man who is well respected by the community.
I witnessed a group of over 100 men armed and dedicated to the cause. These men and women belonged to The Oathkeepers and different malitias from all across America.. These people are resolute in their mission.. that mission is this, protect the Bundys from assassination and to protect the sovereignty of The State. No one that I talked to came across as the crazy who wants to send the first bullet.. These people have studied the generational disolve of our State rights.. I heard this quote several times. " if there be trouble let it be in my day that my children will know peace". Tomas Payne, A Revolutionist.... This is not just a Nevada issue.. It is happening all over the country. Look at the red river area of texas/Oklahoma. There is no better Stewart of the land than the man who lives on it...
more to follow.
Wednesday, April 23, 2014
Beyond the Bundy Ranch.
like most things in my life, the idea of me going to Bunkerville, NV. was a spur of the moment thing. It was my opinion that the situation there was a pivotal time in American history. When people made contributions to get me there to report what I found, I knew that it was important to them as well. So I left Ashville NC and headed west. 2250miles west.. I wasn't in a huge hurry to get there for several reasons. One, I knew that this would be a long term situation and two, I didn't want to be there with thousands of "kooky Lou's.
As I approached exit 112 on interstate 15, I was anticipating law enforcement, cameras and traffic counting devices.. I found none of that. What I did find was a new $2million interstate interchange in the middle of nowhere. There is currently no good reason for that interchange to be there. I can only speculate as to why that interchange was built but you can bet that someone convinced the state DOT that it was needed to develop the area... Three miles south of I-15 on state route 170. As I rounded a downhill curve I knew I had arrived at the protest site. American flags, caution tape, traffic cones, six large RVs, 20 portable toilets and 15 people milling about. I pulled in and the first person I encountered was quite the Dude. A jovial Californian of about 75 yrs young. His wardrobe choice told me that he had never bothered with reading a fashion magazine. He wore a colt 1911 on his hip and a badge on his chest. The badge read "Brothel Inspector. Nevada City, California". An intelligent character who gave me the lay of the land and his life story.. I used the excuse of needing to set up my camp to separate myself from this man. I made camp on the bank of the Virgin river under the highway bridge.
the next morning as I took a stroll along the river, I came upon the tent camp of Buddy Cox and his 16yr old son, Chris.. More Californians. they had been there sense the day of the standoff with the Feds. They told me of everything that they recalled and we discussed, at length, the misinformation that the media was putting out.. We spent the rest of the day and well into the night together.. Good people. We went to town shopping and I saw him buy the dinner meal for 100 people. We were unloading the food supplies at the improvised kitchen when I started meeting all the people on location.. The man in charge of the kitchen had to tend to his son who was suffering from a heat stroke so I became the camp cook. This allowed me to talk with everyone. And this is what I learned.....
As I approached exit 112 on interstate 15, I was anticipating law enforcement, cameras and traffic counting devices.. I found none of that. What I did find was a new $2million interstate interchange in the middle of nowhere. There is currently no good reason for that interchange to be there. I can only speculate as to why that interchange was built but you can bet that someone convinced the state DOT that it was needed to develop the area... Three miles south of I-15 on state route 170. As I rounded a downhill curve I knew I had arrived at the protest site. American flags, caution tape, traffic cones, six large RVs, 20 portable toilets and 15 people milling about. I pulled in and the first person I encountered was quite the Dude. A jovial Californian of about 75 yrs young. His wardrobe choice told me that he had never bothered with reading a fashion magazine. He wore a colt 1911 on his hip and a badge on his chest. The badge read "Brothel Inspector. Nevada City, California". An intelligent character who gave me the lay of the land and his life story.. I used the excuse of needing to set up my camp to separate myself from this man. I made camp on the bank of the Virgin river under the highway bridge.
the next morning as I took a stroll along the river, I came upon the tent camp of Buddy Cox and his 16yr old son, Chris.. More Californians. they had been there sense the day of the standoff with the Feds. They told me of everything that they recalled and we discussed, at length, the misinformation that the media was putting out.. We spent the rest of the day and well into the night together.. Good people. We went to town shopping and I saw him buy the dinner meal for 100 people. We were unloading the food supplies at the improvised kitchen when I started meeting all the people on location.. The man in charge of the kitchen had to tend to his son who was suffering from a heat stroke so I became the camp cook. This allowed me to talk with everyone. And this is what I learned.....
Wednesday, March 5, 2014
Day 10 - I road out of Iowa on Monday and was able to get to Central Illinois even in spite of the freshly fallen snow. Along the way I had to stop and put the bike in a truck wash bay to warm it up. The oil was so cold and thick that we it just wasn't helping.
Day 11 - From Central Illinois to Kentucky would usually be a much warmer ride south, but this winter is just brutal all the way around. Would you know it - another snow storm - in Kentucky. The day was cut short as the melting snow began to freeze on the highway lanes late in the day. With two lanes shut down and ice on the roadway, it just wasn't worth the risk.
On Wednesday I am pressing forward to make it at least to central Georgia and from there might be looking forward to a group of riders at the Florida/Georgia line to head back to Daytona with me on Thursday.
Keep sharing the charity ride info and be sure to support the cause at www.veteranssupportfund.org
Peace&Grease
Day 11 - From Central Illinois to Kentucky would usually be a much warmer ride south, but this winter is just brutal all the way around. Would you know it - another snow storm - in Kentucky. The day was cut short as the melting snow began to freeze on the highway lanes late in the day. With two lanes shut down and ice on the roadway, it just wasn't worth the risk.
On Wednesday I am pressing forward to make it at least to central Georgia and from there might be looking forward to a group of riders at the Florida/Georgia line to head back to Daytona with me on Thursday.
Keep sharing the charity ride info and be sure to support the cause at www.veteranssupportfund.org
Peace&Grease
Sunday, March 2, 2014
Day 8 - When I woke in West Branch, IA my first order of business was to address the positive post on my battery which had melted. With the help of a friend from the day prior, we went to his shop, found an extra car battery, and rewired the bike to accept the battery. By 11:00 in the morning I was on the road, but it wouldn't be for very long. By the time I reached Walcott, IA around 3:00, I had received notice from my folks in Milwaukee that the snow was starting in force all over again and that my visit would be buried in a blanket of white. The temperature in Walcott when I stopped was 10 degrees and no sooner did I begin to unload my bike than the snow began drifting. I would rest for the day in my meager hotel room and see what tomorrow brings.
Day 9 - From my hotel room I could see the interstate and it was moving at less than a snail's pace. The snow was still thick and roads not clear enough to be safe. I waited until late morning and it didn't seem to be letting up and as I learned the New England area was no better and more snow to come. So it would seem that I would sit still again this day. My hope is great that tomorrow I'll be able to move on through IL, IN, OH, and maybe even PA to MD.
Despite the trials and slow downs, I know that this journey is all about our veterans that have given so much for us and I look forward to the last 4 days until I can celebrate this great adventure with my brethren back in Daytona.
Day 9 - From my hotel room I could see the interstate and it was moving at less than a snail's pace. The snow was still thick and roads not clear enough to be safe. I waited until late morning and it didn't seem to be letting up and as I learned the New England area was no better and more snow to come. So it would seem that I would sit still again this day. My hope is great that tomorrow I'll be able to move on through IL, IN, OH, and maybe even PA to MD.
Despite the trials and slow downs, I know that this journey is all about our veterans that have given so much for us and I look forward to the last 4 days until I can celebrate this great adventure with my brethren back in Daytona.
Keep sharing the charity ride info and be sure to support the cause at www.veteranssupportfund.org
Peace&Grease
the why of it all...
this month marks the 73rd annual Daytona bikeweek. Men and women from around the globe have been making the pilgrimage to Daytona Beach. It has only been in the last 15-20yrs that people have been trailering their shit ... I want to describe the difference between the two...
2013.. His plan is to take two weeks vacation. He and his two buddies have been planning this trip for six months. Two weeks before vacation starts they all decide to stop shaving,in preparation for vacation.. Their first day of vacation is spent loading up the RV. Picking up supplies and groceries then going to the HD dealership where the bikes have received fresh oil changes. Their itenerary is to have everything loaded, a good nights sleep and IHOP at 6am.. They have planned every gas stop, restroom break and restaurant they will stop at.. They have a hotel reservation for their stop in Chattanooga. They have a printed registration and map of the campground that they reserved six months ago.. Day three of vacation is the first day they ride their motorcycles to destination Daytona to pick up their commemorative t-shirts..... And their bikeweek begins...
1973. He worked on his bike all night Thursday.. The day before he had split and stacked firewood for a neighbor to earn some extra cash.. His plan is to roll Friday after he gets his check.. That is the whole of his plan. Not because he isn't a planner but more because he knows how the road goes.. He once reserved a hotel room that because of a break down,he couldn't get too.. As he layed beside his broken bike he vowed never to again pay for a room he couldn't use..430pm Friday, paycheck in hand, first stop is to get that thing cashed and then roll..
his friends will meet him at The Boot Hill Saloon. They don't ride together because it's an individuals journey. They will meet up when they get there.. R.J is coming from West Virginia. Stan is coming from Omaha.. Mark is coming from Pittsburgh. Joes coming from Dallas. When they meet they will each have their own story to tell...his ride is not a vacation. It is a lifestyle. "cuzz the road goes on forever and the party never ends".
You've all heard it said. Its been printed on t-shirts and made into patches.. " I road mine to trailer week". Its been the joke for years.. But I hope you remember, it has not always been that way.. It was more about the comaradery of the travelers.. Meeting up with old and new friends. 73 yrs ago Daytona bikeweek started. Laconia bikeweek (the oldest) will celebrate its 91st annual gathering this year.. Riders back then had a sense of adventure. They were self reliant and they pushed themselves and their machines to the edge of the extremes... That adventurous lifestyle has no tongue weight.. The motorcycle journey doesn't start in a box trailer and a plan is nothing more than the beginning of disappointment..
The Boot Hill Saloon is celebrating 40plus yrs.. It has become the cornerstone of Daytona bikeweek. The oldest biker bar in Daytona.. There is a reason that the sign out front says Boot Hill Saloon and Museum. Its that much of a legacy.. Another part of that legacy is the men and women who made that journey.. There are still quite a few who continue that tradition...
as I sit here in a cheap hotel room in Walcott Iowa, I think about those who came before me.. They got cold. They ran out of gas. They had mechanical break downs but yet they continued on where others would have turned back.. Its 4degrees with a windchill of -15. Roads are covered with snow and ice. but I know that in 4days I'll be amoungst my friends at The Boot Hill Saloon and Museum. Telling stories of the road. The people I encountered, the trials and tribulations that I endured.. I set out on this journey for several reasons. With The Boot Hill saloon, We wanted to celebrate the Riders.. It is that adventurous spirit that is the foundation of our lifestyle. And we wanted to raise awareness and funds for www.veteranssupportfund.org . A non- profit organization that I have been blessed to work with.. They do good things.. Please take a moment to look them up online and you will know what I mean...
years ago I was having a conversation with the owner and editor of a national motorcycle magazine. He said, "We are the keepers of this lifestyle's Legacy". I believe that to be true.. This ride isn't about me.. Only a handful of people had any interest in who I am.. But there have been many who have taken notice of what I'm doing.. And to me, that's the way it should be..
some folks get it... Some folks won't.. I'm ok with that...
until next time
peace&Grease.
2013.. His plan is to take two weeks vacation. He and his two buddies have been planning this trip for six months. Two weeks before vacation starts they all decide to stop shaving,in preparation for vacation.. Their first day of vacation is spent loading up the RV. Picking up supplies and groceries then going to the HD dealership where the bikes have received fresh oil changes. Their itenerary is to have everything loaded, a good nights sleep and IHOP at 6am.. They have planned every gas stop, restroom break and restaurant they will stop at.. They have a hotel reservation for their stop in Chattanooga. They have a printed registration and map of the campground that they reserved six months ago.. Day three of vacation is the first day they ride their motorcycles to destination Daytona to pick up their commemorative t-shirts..... And their bikeweek begins...
1973. He worked on his bike all night Thursday.. The day before he had split and stacked firewood for a neighbor to earn some extra cash.. His plan is to roll Friday after he gets his check.. That is the whole of his plan. Not because he isn't a planner but more because he knows how the road goes.. He once reserved a hotel room that because of a break down,he couldn't get too.. As he layed beside his broken bike he vowed never to again pay for a room he couldn't use..430pm Friday, paycheck in hand, first stop is to get that thing cashed and then roll..
his friends will meet him at The Boot Hill Saloon. They don't ride together because it's an individuals journey. They will meet up when they get there.. R.J is coming from West Virginia. Stan is coming from Omaha.. Mark is coming from Pittsburgh. Joes coming from Dallas. When they meet they will each have their own story to tell...his ride is not a vacation. It is a lifestyle. "cuzz the road goes on forever and the party never ends".
You've all heard it said. Its been printed on t-shirts and made into patches.. " I road mine to trailer week". Its been the joke for years.. But I hope you remember, it has not always been that way.. It was more about the comaradery of the travelers.. Meeting up with old and new friends. 73 yrs ago Daytona bikeweek started. Laconia bikeweek (the oldest) will celebrate its 91st annual gathering this year.. Riders back then had a sense of adventure. They were self reliant and they pushed themselves and their machines to the edge of the extremes... That adventurous lifestyle has no tongue weight.. The motorcycle journey doesn't start in a box trailer and a plan is nothing more than the beginning of disappointment..
The Boot Hill Saloon is celebrating 40plus yrs.. It has become the cornerstone of Daytona bikeweek. The oldest biker bar in Daytona.. There is a reason that the sign out front says Boot Hill Saloon and Museum. Its that much of a legacy.. Another part of that legacy is the men and women who made that journey.. There are still quite a few who continue that tradition...
as I sit here in a cheap hotel room in Walcott Iowa, I think about those who came before me.. They got cold. They ran out of gas. They had mechanical break downs but yet they continued on where others would have turned back.. Its 4degrees with a windchill of -15. Roads are covered with snow and ice. but I know that in 4days I'll be amoungst my friends at The Boot Hill Saloon and Museum. Telling stories of the road. The people I encountered, the trials and tribulations that I endured.. I set out on this journey for several reasons. With The Boot Hill saloon, We wanted to celebrate the Riders.. It is that adventurous spirit that is the foundation of our lifestyle. And we wanted to raise awareness and funds for www.veteranssupportfund.org . A non- profit organization that I have been blessed to work with.. They do good things.. Please take a moment to look them up online and you will know what I mean...
years ago I was having a conversation with the owner and editor of a national motorcycle magazine. He said, "We are the keepers of this lifestyle's Legacy". I believe that to be true.. This ride isn't about me.. Only a handful of people had any interest in who I am.. But there have been many who have taken notice of what I'm doing.. And to me, that's the way it should be..
some folks get it... Some folks won't.. I'm ok with that...
until next time
peace&Grease.
Saturday, March 1, 2014
Day 5 - Woke up to 3" of snow but have to roll. Plenty of places to be and people to help. All 48 states is not going to be possible with these setbacks, so I will have to alter my route. Repairs were done and let the battery charge over night, so even though it's going to be cold, I'm hoping for a smooth ride. I hit Nebraska and was welcomed with a balmy 8 degrees.
Day 6 - I got the chance to stop at the Hillside Pub for a Got Wood moment and a chance to warm the bones. At least at this stop I had a sunggle buddy to help keep me warm. In the morning I'm off to Milwaukee.
Day 7 - I had to stop in West Branch, IA to change a sprocket but was able to get back on the road fairly quickly in comparison to the past few days. It's definitely been a very cold ride. The heated gear helps, but in these temps you just won't combat it completely. Once I reached Iowa it started to warm up a degree or two, but it looks like I may be heading for some more fresh snow. The Milwaukee fundraiser tomorrow will be a much welcome break.
Day 8 - Milwaukee, WI - 959 miles - Fundraiser in Denver for www.veteranssupportfund.org
Day 10 - Albany, NY - 906 miles
Day 11 - Baltimore, MD - 659miles
Day 12 - Sylva, NC - 697miles
Day 13 - Off
Day 14 - The Boot Hill Saloon, Daytona, FL - 569miles
Keep sharing the charity ride info and be sure to support the cause at www.veteranssupportfund.org
Peace&Grease
DONE FOR:
Day 1 - Monroe Louisiana - 800 miles
Day 2 - Dalhart, TX - 960 miles
Day 3 - Denver, CO - 345 miles - Fundraiser in Denver for www.veteranssupportfund.org
Day 4 - Cave Creek, AZ - 806 miles - Fundraiser in Denver for www.veteranssupportfund.org
Day 5 - McDermitt, OR - 937 miles
Day 6 - Red Lodge, MT - 997 miles - Possible fundraiser in Denver for www.veteranssupportfund.org
Day 7 - Newell, SD with a side trip to ND - 545 miles
Day 6 - I got the chance to stop at the Hillside Pub for a Got Wood moment and a chance to warm the bones. At least at this stop I had a sunggle buddy to help keep me warm. In the morning I'm off to Milwaukee.
Day 7 - I had to stop in West Branch, IA to change a sprocket but was able to get back on the road fairly quickly in comparison to the past few days. It's definitely been a very cold ride. The heated gear helps, but in these temps you just won't combat it completely. Once I reached Iowa it started to warm up a degree or two, but it looks like I may be heading for some more fresh snow. The Milwaukee fundraiser tomorrow will be a much welcome break.
Day 8 - Milwaukee, WI - 959 miles - Fundraiser in Denver for www.veteranssupportfund.org
Day 10 - Albany, NY - 906 miles
Day 11 - Baltimore, MD - 659miles
Day 12 - Sylva, NC - 697miles
Day 13 - Off
Day 14 - The Boot Hill Saloon, Daytona, FL - 569miles
Keep sharing the charity ride info and be sure to support the cause at www.veteranssupportfund.org
Peace&Grease
DONE FOR:
Day 1 - Monroe Louisiana - 800 miles
Day 2 - Dalhart, TX - 960 miles
Day 3 - Denver, CO - 345 miles - Fundraiser in Denver for www.veteranssupportfund.org
Day 4 - Cave Creek, AZ - 806 miles - Fundraiser in Denver for www.veteranssupportfund.org
Day 5 - McDermitt, OR - 937 miles
Day 6 - Red Lodge, MT - 997 miles - Possible fundraiser in Denver for www.veteranssupportfund.org
Day 7 - Newell, SD with a side trip to ND - 545 miles
Tuesday, February 25, 2014
Day 4 - Traveler's Luck
Day 4 - Gotta fix'er up - Mechanical delays have been a real challenge.
I had to face the realization that I would be running late to get to Denver. Lack of sleep and the cold night air had slowed my progress the night before. As I road along the panhandle of Oklahoma, my heated suit quit working. I pulled over several times to see if I could diagnose what was wrong. After three jumpstarts, the bike died while I was rolling. Luckily I was in front of a autoparts store. Load test on battery showed a bad battery. A hundred dollars later, me and a new battery were rolling again.
I rolled into Colorado and knew I had big problems. The bike was sputtering and I was in the middle of nowhere. Climbing an uphill grade, the bike shut down.. I coasted over the crest of the hill and to my surprise there was a rest area.. The wind was howling cold and I was happy to see the shelter of a building. I made some calls. A dear friend of mine in Denver would be to me in about 6hrs. As the sun went down so did the temperature. Cold and needing sleep, I unloaded my bedroll and laid out in the only structure on sight; the bathroom. I've gotta tell ya, it was cold enough that I was burning toilet paper to keep warm.
My friend Reed showed up and we got the bike loaded up. He was so considerate of my condition. "Get in and warm up. I can strap down the bike". That's a true friend. Five hours of great conversation and we rolled up to the comfort of their home. The Monday morning sunrise and the smell of cooking bacon prepared me for a day of wrenching on the bike. We determined that the problem was the stator. After calling and driving all over Denver, we had not been able to locate the parts I needed. The stress of being broke down on a scheduled ride was somewhat eased by pizza, beer and a movie with my dear friends. I'm not sure what Tuesday holds for me but I know that many good people are working on the problem. Time will tell...
I'll keep you posted the route once I get the maintenance taken care of.
Day 5 - McDermitt, OR - 937 miles
Day 6 - Red Lodge, MT - 997 miles - Possible fundraiser in Denver for www.veteranssupportfund.org
Day 7 - Newell, SD with a side trip to ND - 545 miles
Day 8 - Milwaukee, WI - 959 miles - Fundraiser in Denver for www.veteranssupportfund.org
Day 10 - Albany, NY - 906 miles
Day 11 - Baltimore, MD - 659miles
Day 12 - Sylva, NC - 697miles
Day 13 - Off
Day 14 - The Boot Hill Saloon, Daytona, FL - 569miles
Keep sharing the charity ride info and be sure to support the cause at www.veteranssupportfund.org
Peace&Grease
DONE FOR:
Day 1 - Monroe Louisiana - 800 miles
Day 2 - Dalhart, TX - 960 miles
Day 3 - Denver, CO - 345 miles - Fundraiser in Denver for www.veteranssupportfund.org
Day 4 - Cave Creek, AZ - 806 miles - Fundraiser in Denver for www.veteranssupportfund.org
I had to face the realization that I would be running late to get to Denver. Lack of sleep and the cold night air had slowed my progress the night before. As I road along the panhandle of Oklahoma, my heated suit quit working. I pulled over several times to see if I could diagnose what was wrong. After three jumpstarts, the bike died while I was rolling. Luckily I was in front of a autoparts store. Load test on battery showed a bad battery. A hundred dollars later, me and a new battery were rolling again.
I rolled into Colorado and knew I had big problems. The bike was sputtering and I was in the middle of nowhere. Climbing an uphill grade, the bike shut down.. I coasted over the crest of the hill and to my surprise there was a rest area.. The wind was howling cold and I was happy to see the shelter of a building. I made some calls. A dear friend of mine in Denver would be to me in about 6hrs. As the sun went down so did the temperature. Cold and needing sleep, I unloaded my bedroll and laid out in the only structure on sight; the bathroom. I've gotta tell ya, it was cold enough that I was burning toilet paper to keep warm.
My friend Reed showed up and we got the bike loaded up. He was so considerate of my condition. "Get in and warm up. I can strap down the bike". That's a true friend. Five hours of great conversation and we rolled up to the comfort of their home. The Monday morning sunrise and the smell of cooking bacon prepared me for a day of wrenching on the bike. We determined that the problem was the stator. After calling and driving all over Denver, we had not been able to locate the parts I needed. The stress of being broke down on a scheduled ride was somewhat eased by pizza, beer and a movie with my dear friends. I'm not sure what Tuesday holds for me but I know that many good people are working on the problem. Time will tell...
I'll keep you posted the route once I get the maintenance taken care of.
Day 5 - McDermitt, OR - 937 miles
Day 6 - Red Lodge, MT - 997 miles - Possible fundraiser in Denver for www.veteranssupportfund.org
Day 7 - Newell, SD with a side trip to ND - 545 miles
Day 8 - Milwaukee, WI - 959 miles - Fundraiser in Denver for www.veteranssupportfund.org
Day 10 - Albany, NY - 906 miles
Day 11 - Baltimore, MD - 659miles
Day 12 - Sylva, NC - 697miles
Day 13 - Off
Day 14 - The Boot Hill Saloon, Daytona, FL - 569miles
Keep sharing the charity ride info and be sure to support the cause at www.veteranssupportfund.org
Peace&Grease
DONE FOR:
Day 1 - Monroe Louisiana - 800 miles
Day 2 - Dalhart, TX - 960 miles
Day 3 - Denver, CO - 345 miles - Fundraiser in Denver for www.veteranssupportfund.org
Day 4 - Cave Creek, AZ - 806 miles - Fundraiser in Denver for www.veteranssupportfund.org
Monday, February 24, 2014
Day 3 didn't go quite as planned. Ended up having some charging system issues and spending about 6 hours at a rest area where I attempted to nap and stay warm. I missed the fundraiser in Denver but the folks raised $1,032 for the Veterans Fund. I finally got a new battery and no sooner did I hit the road than about 100 miles later I was stopped again. I didn't get to Denver until somewhere around 3AM. Me and my head cold rested a bit knowing that Day 4 will be spent on repairs.
Day 4 - Cave Creek, AZ - 806 miles - Fundraiser in Denver for www.veteranssupportfund.org
Day 5 - McDermitt, OR - 937 miles
Day 6 - Red Lodge, MT - 997 miles - Possible fundraiser in Denver for www.veteranssupportfund.org
Day 7 - Newell, SD with a side trip to ND - 545 miles
Day 8 - Milwaukee, WI - 959 miles - Fundraiser in Denver for www.veteranssupportfund.org
Day 10 - Albany, NY - 906 miles
Day 11 - Baltimore, MD - 659miles
Day 12 - Sylva, NC - 697miles
Day 13 - Off
Day 14 - The Boot Hill Saloon, Daytona, FL - 569miles
Keep sharing the charity ride info and be sure to support the cause at www.veteranssupportfund.org
Peace&Grease
DONE FOR:
Day 1 - Monroe Louisiana - 800 miles
Day 2 - Dalhart, TX - 960 miles
Day 3 - Denver, CO - 345 miles - Fundraiser in Denver for www.veteranssupportfund.org
Sunday, February 23, 2014
Day 2 was pretty good. Reached Dalhart, TX. Running a little behind schedule for my liking. I'll have to spend a little time on Day 3 to do a chain adjustment, top off fluids, resire an ignition toggle switch and check my tire pressure. I'm going to have to haul butt big time to make the fundraiser in Denver.
Day 3 - Denver, CO - 345 miles - Fundraiser in Denver for www.veteranssupportfund.org
Day 4 - Cave Creek, AZ - 806 miles - Fundraiser in Denver for www.veteranssupportfund.org
Day 5 - McDermitt, OR - 937 miles
Day 6 - Red Lodge, MT - 997 miles - Possible fundraiser in Denver for www.veteranssupportfund.org
Day 7 - Newell, SD with a side trip to ND - 545 miles
Day 8 - Milwaukee, WI - 959 miles - Fundraiser in Denver for www.veteranssupportfund.org
Day 10 - Albany, NY - 906 miles
Day 11 - Baltimore, MD - 659miles
Day 12 - Sylva, NC - 697miles
Day 13 - Off
Day 14 - The Boot Hill Saloon, Daytona, FL - 569miles
Keep sharing the charity ride info and be sure to support the cause at www.veteranssupportfund.org
Peace&Grease
DONE FOR:
Day 1 - Monroe Louisiana - 800 miles
Day 2 - Dalhart, TX - 960 miles
Day 3 - Denver, CO - 345 miles - Fundraiser in Denver for www.veteranssupportfund.org
Day 4 - Cave Creek, AZ - 806 miles - Fundraiser in Denver for www.veteranssupportfund.org
Day 5 - McDermitt, OR - 937 miles
Day 6 - Red Lodge, MT - 997 miles - Possible fundraiser in Denver for www.veteranssupportfund.org
Day 7 - Newell, SD with a side trip to ND - 545 miles
Day 8 - Milwaukee, WI - 959 miles - Fundraiser in Denver for www.veteranssupportfund.org
Day 10 - Albany, NY - 906 miles
Day 11 - Baltimore, MD - 659miles
Day 12 - Sylva, NC - 697miles
Day 13 - Off
Day 14 - The Boot Hill Saloon, Daytona, FL - 569miles
Keep sharing the charity ride info and be sure to support the cause at www.veteranssupportfund.org
Peace&Grease
DONE FOR:
Day 1 - Monroe Louisiana - 800 miles
Day 2 - Dalhart, TX - 960 miles
Saturday, February 22, 2014
Day 1 went well; I reached Monroe, LA as planned.
Nobody said it would be easy. Had to put on my rain suit about 2pm. Check out my FB vid.
Today I'm rolling to Dalhart, TX. It's looking like the road to Dalhart is going to send me into the mid 60s with clear skies. What a great day for a ride!!
Day 2 - Dalhart, TX - 960 miles
Day 3 - Denver, CO - 345 miles - Fundraiser in Denver for www.veteranssupportfund.org
Day 4 - Cave Creek, AZ - 806 miles - Fundraiser in Denver for www.veteranssupportfund.org
Day 5 - McDermitt, OR - 937 miles
Day 6 - Red Lodge, MT - 997 miles - Possible fundraiser in Denver for www.veteranssupportfund.org
Day 7 - Newell, SD with a side trip to ND - 545 miles
Day 8 - Milwaukee, WI - 959 miles - Fundraiser in Denver for www.veteranssupportfund.org
Day 10 - Albany, NY - 906 miles
Day 11 - Baltimore, MD - 659 miles
Day 12 - Sylva, NC - 697 miles
Day 13 - Off
Day 14 - The Boot Hill Saloon, Daytona, FL - 569 miles
Please keep sharing the charity ride info and be sure to support the cause at www.veteranssupportfund.org
Peace & Grease
DONE FOR:
Day 1 - Monroe Louisiana - 800 miles
Nobody said it would be easy. Had to put on my rain suit about 2pm. Check out my FB vid.
Today I'm rolling to Dalhart, TX. It's looking like the road to Dalhart is going to send me into the mid 60s with clear skies. What a great day for a ride!!
Day 2 - Dalhart, TX - 960 miles
Day 3 - Denver, CO - 345 miles - Fundraiser in Denver for www.veteranssupportfund.org
Day 4 - Cave Creek, AZ - 806 miles - Fundraiser in Denver for www.veteranssupportfund.org
Day 5 - McDermitt, OR - 937 miles
Day 6 - Red Lodge, MT - 997 miles - Possible fundraiser in Denver for www.veteranssupportfund.org
Day 7 - Newell, SD with a side trip to ND - 545 miles
Day 8 - Milwaukee, WI - 959 miles - Fundraiser in Denver for www.veteranssupportfund.org
Day 10 - Albany, NY - 906 miles
Day 11 - Baltimore, MD - 659 miles
Day 12 - Sylva, NC - 697 miles
Day 13 - Off
Day 14 - The Boot Hill Saloon, Daytona, FL - 569 miles
Please keep sharing the charity ride info and be sure to support the cause at www.veteranssupportfund.org
Peace & Grease
DONE FOR:
Day 1 - Monroe Louisiana - 800 miles
Monday, January 27, 2014
ride schedule
there will be a send off party at The Boot Hill Saloon in Daytona on February 20th. Thursday night.. Kickstands up at daybreak Friday the 21st. Everyone is welcome to join the ride if they wish.
day 1 stop. Monroe Louisiana. 800 miles
day 2 stop. Dalhart, Tx. 960 miles.
day 3 stop. Denver, Colo. 345 miles
fundraiser in Denver for Veterans support fund .org
day 4 stop. Cave Creek, Az. 806 miles
fundraiser for Veterans Support Fund .org in Cave Creek.
day 5 stop. McDermitt, Oregon 937 miles
day 6 stop. Red Lodge, Mt. 997 miles
possible fundraiser in Red Lodge.
day 7 stop. Newell, SD. With a side trip to ND. 545 miles.
day 8 stop. Milwaukee, Wisc. 959 miles.
day 9 in Milwaukee for fundraiser for Veterans support fund .org
day 10 stop. Albany, NY. 906miles.
day 11 stop. Baltimore, Md. 659miles.
day 12 stop. Sylva, NC. 697miles.
day 13 off.
day 14 to The Boot Hill Saloon, Daytona. 569miles.
there has been talk of a group riding up from Daytona to meet me at the Fla. GA. line.. More info on that later..
www.veteranssupportfund.org
Peace&Grease
day 1 stop. Monroe Louisiana. 800 miles
day 2 stop. Dalhart, Tx. 960 miles.
day 3 stop. Denver, Colo. 345 miles
fundraiser in Denver for Veterans support fund .org
day 4 stop. Cave Creek, Az. 806 miles
fundraiser for Veterans Support Fund .org in Cave Creek.
day 5 stop. McDermitt, Oregon 937 miles
day 6 stop. Red Lodge, Mt. 997 miles
possible fundraiser in Red Lodge.
day 7 stop. Newell, SD. With a side trip to ND. 545 miles.
day 8 stop. Milwaukee, Wisc. 959 miles.
day 9 in Milwaukee for fundraiser for Veterans support fund .org
day 10 stop. Albany, NY. 906miles.
day 11 stop. Baltimore, Md. 659miles.
day 12 stop. Sylva, NC. 697miles.
day 13 off.
day 14 to The Boot Hill Saloon, Daytona. 569miles.
there has been talk of a group riding up from Daytona to meet me at the Fla. GA. line.. More info on that later..
www.veteranssupportfund.org
Peace&Grease
Monday, January 20, 2014
Boot Hill Saloon. Veterans Support Fund. Press Release
Boot Hill Saloon celebrates over 40 years as the oldest biker saloon in
Daytona Beach, FL. Boot Hill Saloon was founded in 1973 across from The
Pinewood Cemetery on Main St. They have become a huge part of the
motorcycle culture and people from all corners of the globe have made
the trek to be a part of the history that is Boot Hill Saloon. For over
70 years men and women alike have ridden their motorcycles to gather in
Daytona Beach. For over 40 years they have stopped into Boot Hill Saloon
for the camaraderie and a cold drink.
To celebrate this milestone, The Boot Hill Saloon has partnered with Don Wood, The legendary Bootlegger from the hit TV show Moonshiners. On February 21st Don will be leaving the Boot Hill Saloon in Daytona on a 10,000 mile journey to visit all 48 states on a charity ride for The Veterans Support Fund (a Non-profit Organization). The ride will have a few designated stops along the way for others to join him on his journey. "I can only imagine how difficult the journey was 40 years ago". Said Wood. "They traveled with their wits and desires. Without knowledge of where the next gas station was or where they could find help along the way". Don will complete his journey by returning to The Boot Hill on or about March 6 for the beginning of Daytona Bikeweek .
Karin Gehris, Owner of The Boot Hill Saloon said, "This is our way of celebrating "The Riders" who are the history and the heartbeat of our Saloon". The owner went on to say, "it's only natural for us to team up with The Veterans Support Fund charity because so many of the riders served this great Country before we served them".
"I first got to know of The Veterans Support Fund through Willies Tropical Tattoo's semi-annual Chopper Show in Daytona. "said Don Wood. Few people know that these events are actually a fundraiser for The Veterans Support Fund.. Wood went on to say, "sinse that day I have been involved with this organization on eight different events.. I believe in these people and all that they are doing.. I have seen the positive affect that this organization has had on Our Veterans and active duty military".
All funds raised go directly to The Veterans Support Fund. Don Wood's ride is being funded by private and public business sponsors.
http://veteranssupportfund.org/
Whether the needs are physical, mental, or monetary, the Veterans Support Fund is there. From a veteran at a nursing home being denied a prosthetic leg, or providing entertainment in the form of concerts to troops stationed overseas, to making sure that veterans have money for bingo and a meal out, the Veterans Support Fund makes sure none of these soldiers are forgotten.
Please take a moment to check out http://veteranssupportfund.org/
Any contribution that you make will be greatly appreciated..
Thank you
To celebrate this milestone, The Boot Hill Saloon has partnered with Don Wood, The legendary Bootlegger from the hit TV show Moonshiners. On February 21st Don will be leaving the Boot Hill Saloon in Daytona on a 10,000 mile journey to visit all 48 states on a charity ride for The Veterans Support Fund (a Non-profit Organization). The ride will have a few designated stops along the way for others to join him on his journey. "I can only imagine how difficult the journey was 40 years ago". Said Wood. "They traveled with their wits and desires. Without knowledge of where the next gas station was or where they could find help along the way". Don will complete his journey by returning to The Boot Hill on or about March 6 for the beginning of Daytona Bikeweek .
Karin Gehris, Owner of The Boot Hill Saloon said, "This is our way of celebrating "The Riders" who are the history and the heartbeat of our Saloon". The owner went on to say, "it's only natural for us to team up with The Veterans Support Fund charity because so many of the riders served this great Country before we served them".
"I first got to know of The Veterans Support Fund through Willies Tropical Tattoo's semi-annual Chopper Show in Daytona. "said Don Wood. Few people know that these events are actually a fundraiser for The Veterans Support Fund.. Wood went on to say, "sinse that day I have been involved with this organization on eight different events.. I believe in these people and all that they are doing.. I have seen the positive affect that this organization has had on Our Veterans and active duty military".
All funds raised go directly to The Veterans Support Fund. Don Wood's ride is being funded by private and public business sponsors.
http://veteranssupportfund.org/
Founded to serve current, past, and wounded U.S. military soldiers and ensure that they are
appreciated, loved and never forgotten.
After years of service to our country, many soldiers and veterans
feel forgotten and worse are denied benefits or cannot afford life’s
necessities. Whether they are in a veterans nursing home, have just
gotten out of a hospital with injuries, or are on current deployment far
from home and loved ones, the Veterans Support Fund insures that people
are reminded … Freedom is not Free and that all American soldiers, both
past and present, deserve our support.appreciated, loved and never forgotten.
Whether the needs are physical, mental, or monetary, the Veterans Support Fund is there. From a veteran at a nursing home being denied a prosthetic leg, or providing entertainment in the form of concerts to troops stationed overseas, to making sure that veterans have money for bingo and a meal out, the Veterans Support Fund makes sure none of these soldiers are forgotten.
Please take a moment to check out http://veteranssupportfund.org/
Any contribution that you make will be greatly appreciated..
Thank you
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