The Rambling Road

I left my farm for the last time on April 10th, 2013. The last of my possessions had left the day before. I had finally made the decision that I had been wrestling with for years. I had tried for the majority of my life to fit into society's box, for profit. I knew long ago that I didn't fit in but I would still put on the suit and negotiate with people who thought they were important. I owned a solid waste company, a recycling company, a portable toilet company and a construction/ demolition company. All that I had built from scratch. Work had completely consumed me and my life was all about taking ownership of other peoples problems. There  came a day when I decided that I was on the wrong road. I was not headed in the direction that I wanted to go.

It was time to shake down my new motorcycle build. As I pulled out of my driveway I knew that I was finished with that chapter of my life. I was ready to get on with the rest of my life. First thing I needed to do was to make sure that this bike was road ready.. and that first day included 68miles, two tow trucks and the knowledge that I could only go forward because there was nothing to go back too. It was also the beginning of a friendship that I know will last a lifetime.. Panhead Phil in Nashville became a part of my heart that day. That night found me in his bike shop sleeping on a couch listening to the rain.. Morning pushed me down the road with no worries and an eye on the western horizon. My destination was Arizona Bikeweek.

Shakedown runs are always eventful and this one was no different. I've learned that an extreme ride is the best way to become intimate with your bike because each one is as different as a woman. Im not gonna bore you with the mechanical s of my trip but it was those problems that put me in Dallas when I should have been in Phoenix. No complaints about a change of plans. Just deal with what you got and make the best of it.. The Best I could do was The Dallas Mudbug Festival with a dear friend.

Yes, That is a 16ft canoe full of crawdads.. We had a blast. My host took me around and introduced me to many amazing people. From the clubhouse to the beer joints and a biker spring fling.

I rolled out of Dallas and stopped in to see a friend from school who had just beat the hell out of breast cancer.. We had talked a bit over the yrs. but it was wonderful to catch up with her face to face. My pride was in the fact that she was and will always be an amazing survivor.

Rolling northwest and the bugs are out of the bike.. all is smooth and, and,,, what the hell just happened??? small town texas at 60mph and all of a sudden I've got a magnifying back tire wobble.. I cross a dust median and limp to a diner that I had just passed and park my flat tire right at the front door of the diner.. Im halfway between Wichita Falls and Amarillo with nothing to do but have some breakfast... As I'm eating my food an ole timer walks up and asks, "Is that your bike outside"? yes Sir... "Where you headed"? No where, I've got a blown tire.. "I was fixin to tell ya that". then he joins a round table full of other 70yr old men.. I finish my meal and called the Harley store in Wichita Falls to get a tire delivered. I walked up to the round table and asked if I could join them... I was warmly welcomed. "Gentlemen, I have a problem and I need your Help". That was all I needed to say. These men had been able to carve a life out of a dust field and sagebrush.. My problems were small in comparison.. Mr. LC took the day to help a stranger.. He found for me the things I needed. When we could not get the bead of the tire to seat he drove me to his sons sheet metal shop and we were able to get the tire aired up.. It was also where I was recognized by Mr. LC's daughter in law.. and they continued to treat me as a stranger in need.. I have often said and I believe it with all my heart.. "I Believe In The Kindness Of Strangers". Breakfast at 10am and at 3pm I was back on the road. There are still Golden people around us and I made sure that they understood how I felt about them..

Rolling on and not an interstate in my near future. I'm headed to Denver for The Cannabis Cup. This would be the first time in the history of the world that this event would be held in America. Plans change and I chose to spend my time with my friends in Colo. instead of with 20,000 stoners.. I made a good choice. I enjoy meeting new people but there are times when I enjoy the comfort of old friends. I have also found that the friends of my old friends are not strangers to me. We might have just met but we have things in common. My old friends don't hang with ass hats and douche bags. Colorado has always had a place in my soul and that fondness grows with each visit.. I will be there again soon.

Sometimes I have to take a moment to put things into perspective. My time in solitary confinement behind bars, on a motorSickle gives me time to think about all the things that effect me. Feelings, emotions, desires, direction. Why things are the way they are and what could be done to make them better. I took that moment of  perspective at the Colo./Kansas state line. As I sat in the dirt beside my bike I was reminded of an old saying.. "it don't matter how bad you want too, you can't push a chain". My "want" is not part of the big picture. I found another level of peace when I came to terms with that idea..

Across Kansas and up into Nebraska to have lunch with some old friends I hadn't seen in a couple of yrs. then on to P-town. Dinner with friends and an interrogation of my life choices from a lady friend that I have known for 30+ yrs. She asked the hard questions that only a true friend knows to ask. I left with a new appreciation of our friendship and a comfort from having to express the answers to those most personal questions. I know how I truly feel because she made me put it into words knowing that I am unable to lie to her. That is a  true friend.

Down threw Iowa, Missouri, Arkansas and Tennessee for a birthday party with My Maggie Grace.. Time was short but the time together was priceless. I was glad to see her and her mother doing so well. Next stop, Maggie Valley, NC. for the spring fling at Wheels through Time Museum. Twas good to spent some time with my friend Matt.. As the sun was setting I headed over the ridge to Sylva. There is not much new I can add about the clan of misfits that I call my family in Western Carolina. Most of it is covered by a statue of limitations.. I'll save all that for a death bed confession..

Next stop, Florida. Tattoo's, drinks, old friends, new ones, motorSickle miles, hot chicks, and more drinks. Then the realization that I no longer had a license plate or taillight.. where the hell did that go.??? oh well. Next morning Im at FnA custom cycles in Lakeland and Eric is hooking me up with a new tag bracket and tail light.. But the problem still exists. I dont have a license plate.. so I do what all good ole boys do.. I make one..

and that piece of plastic written in sharpie made it to Iowa Grand Rally where it melted while I was doing a burnout on top of the bar to celebrate the wedding of a couple that had just got married.. The next day I found a white metal sign and made me a new license plate and it seems to be holding up quite well.. but let me back up a bit... So I pull out of florida headed to Morgantown, WV. to check on a friend. after a day of 4wheeling and a weekend of boating,, I think he will be alright.

Next stop, Pittsburgh. good times. great people..

Then it was on to the Iowa Grand Rally for some fun that turned into me working as the Master of Ceremony for the rally... Ya, I rocked that crowd pretty damn Hard...
 Then it was on to Minnesota to spend some time with some special people in my life..

then onto The knuckle Shuffle in Yuba, Wisc. in support of my dear friends Teach and Rodeo..

This was a fundraiser for a high school shop class that teaches kids how to build choppers... cool shit..

I rolled out of Yuba headed to Austin for The ROT Rally and decided to take a short break on the road..

nothing like stopping in OKC for a TESLA  concert with a friend.. Back on the road at 11pm. I rolled into Austin to meet up with my people and we  had a great time.

There were some guys there too but Hey, what do I care.. lol. We all had a great time..

So,,, as I sit here in Plano, Tx. Thinking of this journey that I have been on for the last couple of months I know that I am Blessed and well favored.. I have a wealth that cannot be bought or traded.. That wealth is from the people that I have in my life. They are my value and my worth. and the common denominator is,,, MotorSickles . Two wheels move my soul.

Until next time......
PEACE&GREASE

The Other Side of a Motorcycle Rally

It's time for me to drop some names. Some events have transpired that you good people should be privy too. You won't hear tell of this in main stream media and it won't be on any docu-drama, made-for-Television mini series about Bikeweek. Once again, the powers of Good have been victorious. But I digress.

Jay Allen of The Broken Spoke owns and rides an ole Harley that is a tribute to The U.S. Army and all who have served in it. It was his dream to gather together four more motorcycles, each representing the other branches of the US Military. As a Champion for American Veterans, Jay Allen's dream turned into a project. May, 2012 at the 25th anniversary of Rolling Thunder in Washington D.C. five bikes were unveiled representing each of the five branches of our military. Space being limited, I can not tell you of each bike and the amazing people involved in their creation but I can tell you that each is a Tribute and worth learning about.

Rolling Thunder is the largest one day motorcycle event in the USA. Held annually in Washington DC. Founded by Mr. Walt Sides.  "Rolling Thunder’s mission is to educate, facilitate, and never forget by means of a demonstration for service members that were abandoned after the Vietnam War. Rolling Thunder has also evolved into a display of patriotism and respect for all who defend our country." Last yrs event was attended by an estimated 1.3 million people. Walt and his lovely wife, Laura have taken on the task of escorting these five tribute bikes around the country to events for the public to appreciate them and to bring awareness to the cause.

Russ Niedwick and his wonderful wife, Nikki Linn operate a non profit organization called Veterans Support Fund. They have "adopted" the men and women who live at the Veterans Home in Daytona Beach, Fla. Now, when  I say "adopted" I mean they care. Taking them to lunch and afternoon outings. Playing Santa and providing gifts to each one and helping with things such as prosthetic limbs. They know these Veterans all by name. It is truly a blessing to see how they care for our Nations Hero's.

On the 6st of March, 2013, two days before the beginning of Bikeweek, the above mentioned people did a great thing. Without pay or compensation, Without media attention or fanfare these people got together and set up the five tribute motorcycles for the viewing pleasure of the residence of the Veterans Home. These people took the time to have conversations and share stories with these Hero's. For several hours on a beautiful Florida afternoon these people gave of themselves the one true gift that our Veterans want and rightfully deserve. They gave of their time.

Of all the things that make it Bikeweek, The freaks and clowns, the traffic and concerts, the bars and the nightlife, the gathering of friends and the pasties, the people watching and the burn-outs, all of those things and more are possible because of those who came before us. Jay, Walt, Laura, Russ and Nikki and others understand the importance of what these men and women have done for our country. I consider myself blessed to have known them and I am proud to call them friends.

At the entrance to the Veterans Home in Daytona is a sign that reads. "The cost of Freedom is visible here" 

Sponsor Spotlight. Jaybrake

Jaybrake manufactures forward foot controls, hand controls, brake calipers, and other motorcycle accessories to fit Harley-Davidson and American V-twin Motorcycles. These made in the USA billet motorcycle accessories are certain to help you personalize your custom or Harley-Davidson.
Jaybrake has been manufacturing precision motorcycle accessories to fit your American V-twin since 1981 and is both an ISO certified and TUV certified company.Jaybrake is most recognized for our performance billet aluminum brake calipers with designs to directly mount to Harley-Davidson  Sportster, Dyna, Softail, Vrsc, CVO, and Touring motorcycles. Jaybrake also has forward foot controls engineered to mount to entire Harley-Davidson line-up including the J-fl forward controls specifically designed to fit the Baggers.

Some of the other accessories Jaybrake manufactures are: hand controls, the Tranzbrake, grips, pegs, handlebar switch housings, mirrors, and much more...

 Be sure to check out their website at http://www.jbrake.com/index.html

Sponsor Spotlight. Dakota Digital.

For over 25 years  Dakota Digital has manufactured the highest quality instrumentation and specialty electronics for custom cars, trucks, motorcycles and many things in between. Our facility is located in the heartland of the country, on the outskirts of Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Here, nearly all products are designed, developed and manufactured from start to finish...right here in the USA by folks who care about the products we sell and the thousands of customers using them. When purchasing Dakota Digital products, you can rest assured you are not only getting the best products, but also the best service and support available. MCL-5400 From Dakota Digital Dakota Digital is proud to introduce the next generation bar mount speedometer. The MCL-5000 Series replaces the popular HLY-5011. As with all of the MCL-5000 Series gauges these speedometers are easily visible in direct sun. Features include: 0- 255 MPH/ km/H user adjustable speedometer Odometer and Trip Odometer Indicators for Left and Right Turn Signals, Highbeam, Neutral, Low Oil Pressure and Check Engine Choice of Black or Chrome housing Dimensions: 3-1/2" x 2" Classic Speedometer/ Tachometer Information Center From Dakota Digital Introducing the latest in a long line of great gauges!  The MCV-7000 series really does have it all. Dimensions: 5-7/8" x 2" x 1-3/4" D 0-199 MPH or KM/H Speedometer 0-8,000 RPM Bar Graph Tachometer with 0-16,000 numeric readout Oil Pressure Gauge, (sender included) Voltmeter Fuel Level Gauge, (bike must be equipped with a stock sender) Gear Position Readout Clock Million Mile Odometer with Dual Trip Meters and Countdown Service Meter Turn Signal, High Beam, Neutral, Low Oil, Low Fuel, Low Voltage, Service Engine/Wait to Start Indicators Performance Displays such as 0-60 MPH/KM/H Timer, 1/4 Mile Time and Speed, High Speed and RPM Recall Positive Locking Connectors for all Wires Choice of Black or Chrome housing.  Be sure to check out their website for all your instrumentation needs  http://www.dakotadigital.com/index.cfm

Sponsor Spotlight. Avon Tyres.

What can I say.... These people ROCK.. It has been nothing but a pleasure to work with them. Every time I have talked with them I have learned. I hope to tour their facility in Stowe, Ohio soon.
I'll be running the Distanzia model most of the time because of the on road and off road capabilities.
I will also be running the Storm2 and Azaro ST tires for the on road only portions of my journey.

 Check out their website at
http://www.avonmoto.com/

Sponsor Spotlight. Hawg Halters Inc.

"Start with the best, Stop with the best" is more than just a catchy ad slogan, it's truly how we feel about what we do at Hawg Halters. Starting with an idea and engineering it with technologies like solid modeling and finite element analysis is just the beginning of one of our products. We select only the best materials, aircraft grade 6061 billet aluminum custom drawn to our specifications, stainless steel alloys best suited for the application, all to produce the best performing products available. We then prototype and test until it is right. We develop the most effective manufacturing methods for each component with the use of computer aided manufacturing and CNC high speed machining centers.

 Parts go through detailed inspection using the most advanced CMM technology providing precise measurements and unbeatable quality. After careful inspection, each part is processed through the finishing stages. Polished, chromed and anodized parts are finished to industry leading show quality standards. Assembly by experienced craftsmen using HHI custom made fixtures and jigs bring it all together followed by bench testing and final inspection to insure proper operation. All that's left is packaging to ensure your part arrives in perfect condition. We ride what we build and believe we manufacture the finest American made products for the American V-twin. We're craftsmen, perfecting the art of your next custom ride.

 American Made Parts and American Made Service straight from the mountains of North Georgia....

Sponsor Spotlight. Spectro Oil

Spectro® Oils is one of the world’s foremost manufacturers and packagers of premium – quality lubricants.
Our products are engineered to provide the highest levels of performance across the full range of full-synthetic, semi-synthetic and petroleum lubricants for all types of power-sports engines and transmissions. Spectro® provides unsurpassed strength and endurance to protect your engine against wear and tear.
The Spectro® line also includes superior suspension fluids, fork oils, brake fluids, coolant, chain lubes, filter cleaners/oils, and appearance products.
We’ve added some new features to the site; these include an updated “dealer locator”, photo galleries and a customer Q&A section.

Engineering Excellence For The Sporty Engine.
BROOKFIELD, Conn. – January 30, 2013. Spectro Oils of America, based in Brookfield,  CT, is pleased to present Platinum Heavy Duty STL; Sportster Transmission Lube. Our 6 speed synthetic technology is now available for the Harley® Sportster and Buell®. This fully formulated synthetic transmission lubricant is engineered to work in all applications where the same oil lubricates the clutch, primary, and transmission.
Spectro Oils Vice President of Sales, Rollin Karoll explains, “Since the introduction of Spectro “6 Speed” transmission lube for HD big twins, Sportster owners have been asking for a lube of their own. That day is now here with the introduction of Spectro STL; Sportster Transmission Lube. Like our industry leading Heavy Duty 6 Speed Transmission lube, Spectro STL provides easier shifting, less gear noise and reduced heat for Sportsters. Our proprietary wet clutch formula also reduces clutch chatter and slippage. If you ride a Sportster, this is the transmission lube you’ve been waiting for!”