Bragging Rights and the New Indians

Yes, I'm bragging. Our lovely Phoenix winter weather has afforded us with some beautiful riding weather. Again. And for those of my friends in sunny CA, where the winter has been unseasonably warm: this post does not necessarily apply to you. This is for all my east coast people who are freezing to death and wishing, hoping, and dreaming of riding weather.

Yesterday, Daryl and I rode over to Ride Now Motorsports to see the new Indians. I'd like to start by saying the ride was gorgeous. We were in t-shirts. And it was a great ride.

The first bike I laid eyes upon was the Indian Chief Classic. It was Indian Motorcycle Red. Not my favorite color. But the only other options are Thunder Black or Springfield Blue. The Chief Classic was very comfortable and for around $19K, I could have rolled it out the door.

Then I strolled over to the Indian Chief Vintage in Thunder Black with distressed leather seat and bags in tan. What a gorgeous bike! The Chief Vintage was definitely my favorite. It had the tall quick-release windshield, and it looked perfect. The Chief Vintage starts at just over $20K.

The Indian Chieftain starts at $23K. The model on the floor was Thunder Black with black leather seats. The Chieftain has hard bags and a fairing. The fairing is reminiscent of a Honda Goldwing fairing with the odd marking lights out on the 'wings'. I'm also not a fan of fairings in general, as I like to see everything in front of my bike. I don't like that blind spot. The bags are awesome. You can't unlock them without the key fob. They automatically lock when the key fob is away. I like that feature.

There was enough chrome to sink the Titanic, twice. These bikes were all visually pleasing. The motor is beautiful and very detailed. I believe people who don't enjoy motorcycles in general (do these people really exist?) would appreciate the beauty that is the Indian Thunderstroke 111.

With a 5-year extended coverage service contract that includes roadside assistance, the new Indian has it all. But I think if I were to buy one (never going to happen), I would have to get it painted a nice cream, or pearl white. The color options are severely limited, but there's always custom paint.

I can't afford a new Indian right now, so for now I'll suffer the ride on my beautiful Road King, Victoria Ann. At least I'm not suffering like you poor east coast folks with the bike all winterized and in the garage looking sad, while the snowblower stands at the ready. Yeah, at least I have that.

Guest Blog - Rockfish Gap - Virginia by Kiara Wilson

The Blue Ridge Mountains are most certainly the most notable mountain ranges in the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic states of the U.S. Through the past centuries, settlers have used winding paths in order to traverse these scenic mountains by foot, wagon and now by car. While the Blue Ridge Parkway acts as a main highway system to take travelers from North Carolina through Virginia, one particular stretch of the 469-mile route acts a motorcyclist's paradise. Rockfish Gap lies between Charlottesville and Waynesboro, and although most of the businesses along this stretch of highway are now closed, Rockfish Gap remains a top destination for the country's most weathered motorcycle riders.

With an elevation of just 1,900 feet above sea level, Rockfish Gap is one of the lowest areas between the Manassas Gap and the James River. Like many other notable stretches of mountain highway to the area, Rockfish Gap offers riders fast, curving roads that will push the very limits of man versus machine. It's not a highway for the faint of heart, and one wrong move may send riders, well, let's just say that you shouldn't make any wrong moves. It's a quite dangerous stretch of road, but that doesn't mean that Rockfish Gap doesn't provide some of the best views and adventures the area has to offer. Because of its proximity to the mountains and nearby river basins, Rockfish Gap has been known to become rather foggy throughout the day. Riders should be cautious of not only the roads themselves, but other motorists trying to navigate the low-visibility region.

Nearby motels have suffered from economic depressions and arson in more recent years. Overnight accommodations to Rockfish Gap are very sparse, but that shouldn't deter you from visiting the stretch of highway on your motorcycle at least once in your lifetime. Despite the area's misfortune with lodging, Rockfish Gap remains a top destination for Blue Ridge Parkway travelers by bike. Because it's surrounded by so many communities and of course, the Appalachian Trail, it shouldn't be too difficult to provide overnight accommodations, should you want to stay near Rockfish Gap? Remember whenever you want to go on a motorcycle trip on this route always use proper motorcycle gear from a trustworthy store. You should use proper luggage in order to carry enough belongings with you on the trip. Viking Bags would be the best choice for any biker.

The Icon Patrol or similar all-weather jacket makes for a wise attire choice for traveling the Rockfish Gap. Its elevation is not so high that riding becomes too cold or uncomfortable, but the moisture in the air can sometimes create disastrous conditions on any bike. Rainfall is not uncommon throughout the year, so expect to get wet no matter what time of day or year you're planning on riding Rockfish Gap.

Rockfish Gap is one of those day-rides that you simply cannot miss, especially if you have a long-planned Blue Ridge Parkway trip on your itinerary. The area offers unique adventure opportunities outside of thrill-seeking motorcycle rides, from hang-gliding and backpacking to mountain biking and rock climbing. Rockfish Gap is a premier destination for travelers to the Blue Ridge Mountains. It can be easily overlooked, but don't let it fly under your radar. Make sure you share the road, because bicyclists and RVs frequent the area, too!

VikingCycle Cruise Motorcycle Jacket for Women

Arizona summers are notoriously hot. The winters are absolutely beautiful. But did you know that the dry desert air makes for a really chilly night in the winter months? A good leather jacket is the key to staying warm. A zip-out liner that is EASY to zip-out, and extra room for wearing layers are important. I've had many leather jackets. I usually end up fighting with the zippers, or the liner. Then there is the issue of fitting your layers under it. I have finally found the perfect leather jacket for my riding adventures this winter!


Quality leather, strong zippers, beautiful braided accents, and slightly fitted. These are the words I would use to describe the VikingCycle Cruise Motorcycle Jacket for Women. Aside from that, the zip out liner is incredible. Very easy to zip in and out, unlike some other jackets I've had that can be very difficult to remove and replace the liner.

I highly recommend this jacket. It runs true to size, leaves plenty of room to wear your layers underneath, it is comfortable, and ships very quickly. Added bonus: it features deep inside pockets on both sides. Very handy for carrying all my stuff!

So if you'd like to get yourself one of these great jackets, I suggest heading over to http://www.motorcyclehouse.com/vikingcycle-cruise-braided-black-leather-motorcycle-jacket-for-women.htm and pick one up.

Take a Good Look Around You

I recently took a good look around me. Have you ever done that? I mean taken a really good, long look at your life, what you've accomplished, what dreams you have achieved? Sometimes we get so caught up in the day-to-day noise of our lives, that we don't stop and look around. It's good to look back and see how far you've come. It makes the journey worthwhile. I don't always see the progress I've made until I stop and take a breath.

I realized that I have a wonderful husband of almost 16 years, a beautiful family of 4 children and 5 grandchildren. I have obtained my bachelor's degree. I have the best friends a girl could ask for. I have a great job, my health, etc, etc.

I also have something that some may not understand. Others may take it for granted. If my mother were still alive she would roll her eyes and sigh loudly. I have my Harley, Victoria. She gives me freedom that I never had before I learned to ride. She gives me the open road and a license to go where I wish, when I wish, with whom I wish. She gives me the power to draw my own map.

I recently went on a day trip with my best friend, Toni. We took our bikes up to Woods Canyon Lake. We like to ride up there and hang our hammocks and enjoy the cool forest of northern Arizona. We don't do it often enough for either of our liking, but when we do, it's incredible. Riding up the twisty roads, tearing out of the heat of the desert headed for the cool pines up north without a care in the world. It's a great feeling. If we were in a car, it just would not be the same. Those who don't ride, just don't understand that.

Toni is moving out of state in a few weeks, and I'm heartbroken to have her move so far away. She is the closest thing to a sister that I have out here, with my family so far away. But with her moving away, I've had to stop and take a look around me. Yes, I'm heartbroken, and yes, I'll miss her dearly. But I looked back and remembered all the good times we've had together. We have laughed, cried, spat sarcastic comments at people, ridden our bikes all over the state together, and fallen down drunk at her birthday party, too. Literally. You cannot buy memories like that. I'll have those memories forever, and for that I'm truly thankful. What a long way we've come.

I'll miss you Sister, but I'll see you next year in Daytona. :)

A Short Poem

Twas the night before Too Broke, and all through the house
Everyone was there, even my spouse.
Coolers were packed with booze and beer
In the hopes that Too Broke would be epic this year.

The bikers were all tucked snugly in their beds
While visions of the open road danced in their heads
With Caveman in the garage finishing up the bikes
I was contemplating his new project trike.

When from the spare room arose such a clatter
I ran down the hall to see what was the matter.
I opened the door and looked to the bed
And saw BFG had kicked Platinum in the head!

So distressed and shocked and upset was Mary
She fell out of the bed, and that was scary!
I said Mary, Mary, why ya buggin?
She said nothing and started shruggin.
Hagrid and Mike came to see what had come about
Hagrid yelled, “Hey, Mary fell out!”

Then I closed the door and turned out the light
Happy Too Broke to all and to all a good night!

Hey, Anyone Ever Heard of This?

I was browsing the interwebs the other day and found this website. It looks good, but will it work? I've just about lost hope for this country, and I'm wondering if maybe this could be a solution. Any comments, opinions, feedback or education would be appreciated. I'd hate to move my family to Fiji, but it's looking like reality more and more every day.

Ride to Prescott on Arizona 89

Sunday we left the house at 7:00a.m. and rode up the hill to Prescott. We took the back way on Arizona 89, through Wickenburg and Yarnell. I had never been to Prescott that way before, and the twisties were awesome! When I got to the top of the hill in Prescott, everyone had pulled over to wait for me and Tony. I pulled into the parking lot, put my kickstand down, and yelled, "That was frickin' awesome! Why don't we do this every weekend?!" What a ride!

While we were there, I had to buy Molly these cute pink doggles. She's going to start her riding training soon!

It was a great day with awesome friends. I wish we could do that every day! Next weekend: Riding to Tortilla Flat! :)

It's Been A While

Yes, it has been a while since I've posted, hasn't it? I've been too busy. Riding, getting my new bike painted...twice, doing homework, working, etc.

Paul and Linda's wedding reception was a blast. We got to spend some quality time with some quality people and the open bar was a definite plus! :)

We went to Too Broke for Sturgis last month. (My header picture here was taken on the ride up there.) Three people were killed, one critically injured. It was apparently a disagreement over food....drunken assholes and guns don't mix. The shooting was about 150 feet from our tent. Daryl said, "That was just fireworks." I said, "Look up...do you see any fireworks? That was definitely a gun." Swat team and ghetto birds all over the campground all night. Fun times. Some people went home Saturday morning, since the rally was cancelled. We decided to stay and make the best of it. You can read all about the incident here if you're interested. (Yes, that is Daryl on the portable stripper pole at Too Broke!)

I bought a '97 Road King in February this year. She's gorgeous, but I didn't want a black bike. So, I had her painted purple with lavender flames. The paint job sucked. I was pissed off. The guy who painted it said he knew it sucked, but he knew I needed the bike for a run that weekend, so he put it back together for me and said he would repaint it in a few weeks. He did much better the second time around. Now she's midnight purple: she looks black in the shade and sparkly purple in the sun. No flames now, which is fine with me. She is perfect. All I need now is a windshield. Yes, a windshield. On the ride back home from Too Broke I realized that riding in 110-degree weather on the freeway at 85mph is just no fun without a windshield. I'd like a quick-detach windshield so when I'm riding around town I don't need it. My birthday is coming up, so maybe Daryl will get me one. :)

I also got a Maltese puppy in February. Her registered name is Boston's Good Golly Miss Molly...but we just call her Molly. She is quite possibly the cutest dog I've seen. :) And she ain't no purse dog, either! Once I get a tour pack, she will begin her HD passenger training. :)

School has been great, really. Until this last class. Statistics SUCK. Just sayin'. I got through the first class with a C+, and this week I start the second class. I just want to pass it and be done with it. After that, it's all management and HR classes. The next year should go by pretty fast. And I know I said I would NEVER go back for my Master's degree but....well you know how it goes. I can't stop now. After my Bachelor's is complete, I will only have about a year or year and a half to complete my Master's. Seems silly not to do it. I may take a break for a while before I start it though.

Vicki started 8th grade at a new school this year. Arizona Conservatory for Arts and Academics. It's a charter school, which is free in Arizona. But she did have to be on a damn waiting list to get in, and then had to take placement tests before she started. We had a bit of a rough start with the administration, but now that it's all worked out I think it will be a great year for her. She's taking Drama, Choir and Visual Arts.  I'm hoping she lets me post some of her drawings here...they're really good.

I also wanted to let you all know, I have been reading (stalking) your blogs, but never really have time to comment...and I can read them from work but cannot comment from work, so if I get a minute to read them on a quick break, I do. Rest assured I am keeping up with your lives. I will try to blog more regularly, but I can't make any promises until October, when Statistics class is over. :)

Happy blogging, and ride safe!

My New Ride

'97 Road King. Needs nothing but maybe a few flames. Let's ride!

More Animal Fun

For our friends that enjoyed defiling taxidermy in Williams, I was thinking of you all last night...

How Do I Manage?

I have been asked several times how I manage all the aspects of my busy life. I work full-time. I am pursuing my bachelor's degree in business management. I serve on a Board of Directors. I have a family. I ride a motorcycle, etc, etc, etc.

I've been thinking about it and I'm not exactly sure how I manage everything. I try to devote time on the weekends for homework, but sometimes my Board duties take precedence. In that case, it's homework on my lunch breaks (when I take them) and weeknights. Thursday nights I have class from 6-10 p.m. I am usually up at 4:30 a.m. so I can work out and get a little Facebook time in before I go to work. Housework and laundry is done either on Friday nights or the weekend. I try to carve out some family time on weeknights, but homework must be done.

I ride to work almost every day, and that is my therapy. If I didn't get to ride the bike, I would be certifiable by now. I often find myself worrying about things at the beginning of my ride, and by the time I reach my destination, my worries have all but melted away and I am ready for whatever challenges lie ahead. That is how I manage. I wonder how the hell I managed before I rode my own? I must have been certifiable. :)

Unhappy Anniversary

It's been 6 years today since Dad passed. It's one of the unhappiest anniversaries ever. Love you and miss you lots Daddy.

The Forgotten Blog

I think it has been close to a year since I have posted anything on my blog. I would be surprised if I get any comments on this. School, work, BACA and other things have kept me extremely busy over the past year. None of that has changed, however, I do miss blogging. I will try to post at least weekly this year.

In November, Daryl, Vicki and I had a wonderful vacation in Playa del Carmen, Mexico. We stayed at the Riu Palace Mexico, a stunning all-inclusive resort. Played on the beach for a week, took a day-trip to see the Mayan ruins at Chichen-Itza, and ate and drank like kings and queens. It was a great Thanksgiving week! Here are some pictures:

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Until the next time, ride safe and be good to one another.

Too Broke For Sturgis 2010

Too Broke for Sturgis was epic this year! Good friends, good times, great ride and laughs! 

The ride up to Mormon Lake, AZ on Friday morning was great. It was nice and cool after leaving the heat of the valley and it was clear nearly the whole way. It rained the last 40 miles, but it wasn't that bad. What was bad was freezing our asses off Friday night because us flatlanders aren't quite accustomed to the damn cooler mountain air! Some of us were drunk by 2:00 Friday afternoon and some of us were not. :) I was actually part of the latter group for once! I actually got to meet the Fryed Brothers on Friday night! I knew there was a chance to meet them so I wanted to stay sober so I'd remember it, and I also didn't want to make a complete ass of myself. :)

Friday night, there were some karaoke nutjobs in the campground. They had their karaoke BLASTING until 5:00 a.m. on Saturday! And I do mean BLASTING! It was horrible. But you don't piss off 3,000 bikers without getting some payback! At 7:00 a.m. on Saturday, about 40 or 50 bikes lined up outside the karaoke jackass's trailer and started revving the engines with their exhaust pointed at the trailer. There was a huge crowd around and everyone was cheering them on. Finally, they told said jackass that he had 30 minutes to get his shit packed up and leave or his trailer would be trashed. He got out pretty quick! I love revenge!

Saturday brought us beautiful sunny weather. It was about 80 all day...perfect. After a lovely breakfast courtesy of the Christian Motorcycle Association (BIG shout out to Brad and Patty from the CMA...they take care of us every year), Raven and I went to hit the showers. The showers are coin-operated and kind of nasty, but we needed showers. As we were waiting in the women's shower line, we kept watching the damn men's showers....it was like a revolving door! WTF? So I finally said, "Fuck this, I'm switching teams!" Raven jumped in the men's showers with me, too! We walked in and announced that we were going to shower together with the curtain closed and that there would be NO show. Sorry guys. The guy who was in the handicapped shower stall actually gave us his stall and went into the other open one so we would have some room. The two guys in there were VERY cool. They made a good point...they didn't know who our old men were, if they were M/C, wrestlers, gunslingers, etc. so they better not fuck with us. LOL! Good point! 

The other highlight of Saturday was the weenie bite. It was the big event! There were the slow races and road kill, too, but the weenie bite was the big one. I was on the back with Caveman, Raven was on the back with Hagrid, and Missy was on the back with Lucky. Missy and Lucky were first up. The rules were explained to them and they  said they understood. Off they go. Missy realizes she's not going to get the weenie so she grabs it with her hands. Then Lucky takes off. Missy does a back flip off the back of the bike! She lands on her face in front of 3000 bikers in the arena. But credit is due here because Missy jumped right up and ran to catch up with Lucky, jumped on the bike cowboy-style and off they went out of the arena! Missy's new road name: Flipper! LMFAO!

There were many good laughs Saturday night. Most will stay at Too Broke. :)  The ride home Sunday was nasty. It always feels like we're descending into the bowels of hell when coming back into the valley. It was no different this time. We all had a bit of heat stroke when we got home, but it was worth it. 

Hopefully the pics will help tell the story....

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Oh yeah, and when we got home, Caveman said he can't ride a sporty anymore (because I rode the Dyna all weekend) so I bought myself a '96 Washington State Police Bike. :)

We Are (Almost) Famous!

I promise to finish the Parker story soon. I've run into a few difficulties recently. But I did want to post this for y'all. I'm behind the scary looking caveman dude on the right. Kickstand and Ice are on the left. :)

This is the Cali edition....the NW edition is coming this week. :) Guess they wanted to show all the helmet-wearing states what choice looks like. :)

The 100 Mile Ride and So Much More

What do you get when you mix Willy D, Viking Dave, Arizona Harley Dude and his lovely lady Linda, Me, Big D and the whole Arizona BACA crew at a campground on the Colorado River with a floating dock bar??? You get one hell of a great weekend!!!!!

There is really a lot to tell, and I don't want to steal anyone's thunder, so I'll break it down by each day (as I remember them).

Friday

We left Phoenix at 3:00 pm on Friday afternoon. It was sunny but windy as hell. The bikes were ready to go, Annabelle even got a new front tire for the trip. Me, Big D and Vicki saddled up and headed out. We took the 60 through Wickenburg, rather than taking I-10. The freeway is just so boring.

Things were going great. Annabelle is a good pack mule. After fueling up in Wickenburg, we headed west toward Aguila. We had to make a brief stop in Aguila. I looked over to check on Vicki and she had her helmet on, but no glasses! WTF?! I made Big D pull over. We pulled into Woody's Hardware Store. Vicki had lost her glasses while we were in Wickenburg. I'm sure they were in the restroom at Circle K. Anyway, I gave her my clears and told her not to lose them, and off we went again.

There were many bugs out, and it was kind of gross, but they weren't a problem. Just had to keep wiping my glasses off. (Ewwww.) About 15 miles outside of Aguila, I heard a very strange, very loud noise under Annabelle. I thought, "I know I'm new at this, but I don't think she's supposed to make that sound." Then I realized I had no power. The throttle was useless. I gave Big D the high sign and pulled over. He asked what was wrong and I told him. I had no clue what had happened. I told him I thought I blew the transmission because when I put the bike in first after stopping, it wouldn't go, like it was stuck in neutral or something. Big D came and looked at Annabelle and said, "I'll be back." (Yes, I was reminded or Arnold at that point.) Me and Vicki watched him go back the way we came and he was gone for about 10 minutes. When he came back he asked if I had figured out what was wrong yet. I hadn't. Then he pulls my chain out. Yes, I lost my chain. The master link had snapped.

Now, under normal circumstances, people who run a bike with a chain carry an extra master link with them on the bike. Unfortunately, these were not normal circumstances. When Big D gave Annabelle to me, I didn't like the tool bag on the handlebars and made him take it off. He put the tools in the little pockets on my saddlebags instead. But apparently he forgot the master link. Now we're in the middle of f'ing nowhere with no master link. And there damn sure ain't a Harley dealer anywhere nearby.

Big D remembers Woody's Hardware Store in Aguila. At first, he wanted me to go buy a master link at the hardware store. Now normally any chance I get to ride Marie, and I'm all over it. But I have no friggin' idea what the hell I'm looking for. And by the way, the name Woody's is a bit misleading: nobody in the store spoke English! So off Big D went, leaving me and Vicki on the side of the road in the middle of nowhere. Vicki was a great sport, and kept me entertained by singing songs about her belly. :)  I decided to call Willy D and Viking Dave to let them know that we would be late getting into Parker. Willy D asked where we were and what had happened. I told him, and he said, "OK." About 20 minutes later, the two road whores pull up. You could have knocked me over with a feather! I am always happy to see our brothers from Cali, but I was especially happy to see them at that moment! While waiting for Big D, we chatted, took pics, and Dave set up  some bottles for 'target practice' for he and Vicki. (Good job, Vicki!)

When Big D finally got back, he was surprised to see Willy and Dave. Then he told us that they didn't exactly have the right size master link, but he made one out of two. This was Big D's first MacGuyver move of the weekend. He and Willy D put the chain back on Annabelle, and we were back on the road and headed to Parker.

Once we got into Parker and found the campground, we headed to the floating dock bar for some dinner and libations. It's only once or twice a year that we get to see all our BACA brothers and sisters together in the same place, so when we do get together, rest assured we are not going to be quiet about it! After 20 minutes of hugs and hellos and introductions to everyone, we ordered dinner and a drinky for me. :) Big D, Vicki and the boys went to set up the tent after we ate and I stayed at the bar. I wasn't going to be useful setting up the tent, anyway.

The floating dock bar has a stripper pole, and I actually made a few dollars on it Friday night. Fully clothed. Maybe they were paying me to keep my clothes on? Or to just stop? Who knows? Anyway, there was a great jukebox full of rockin' music and we kept it loud. I danced all night with my girls and we had a great time! After putting up the tent, Big D and the boys came back and Big D actually started drinking. This is highly unusual. So the Jack Daniel's was flowing freely. Life was good.

We stumbled back to camp after closing down the bar. It had been a very long day, and we were feeling it. We got ready for bed and laid down on the air mattress where we had the following conversation:

Me: There's not enough air in the mattress.
Big D: Shit.
Me: (In a sing-song voice) I'm rolling into the middle! So are you! Not good!
Big D: Shit.
Me: I'm going to the bathroom while you figure it out.

When I get back from the bathroom I find Big D with the air mattress outside the tent. He has the small air compressor plugged in and he's filling it up. We get the air mattress back in the tent and all set up. Big D lays down and I hear "Whooooooooosh".

Me: There's a hole in it.
Big D: What?
Me: There's a hole.
Big D: Where's the hole?
Me: (laughing) I can't find it. Oh, here it is!
Big D: I need some duct tape.
Me: Seriously??!! Do I look like I have fucking duct tape on me? Let me just pull it out of my ass!
Big D: Shit.

At that point, I was done. I went over to Vicki's mattress and said, "Vicki, move over, make room for Mommy. Daddy's mattress has a hole in it." Vicki said ok, but there was no room for Daddy. (LOL) We then heard Big D rooting around in the bags for quite some time. We were laughing at him. Then we were laughing at farts. :)  We finally fell asleep. In the morning Big D told me what he did to fix the mattress and why he woke up sleeping on an empty mattress:

"I found some bubble gum and a maxi-pad with wings and fixed the hole." (This was his shining moment as MacGuyver!) "It held for about two hours and then I heard a loud POP! but I didn't really wake up." (I'm picturing the mattress blowing a bubble with the gum, are you with me here?)

The mattress deflated and Big D slept on. The problem is, his half of the tent was on the gravel. Ours was on the grass. He was hurting bad when he woke up.

Also, poor Dave was sleeping just outside our tent, and remembers hearing, "Where's the hole?" "I can't find it. Oh, here it is!" Glad we gave him a good laugh, anyway!

That was the start to our kick-ass weekend. I think I'll give you all a break and tomorrow I will continue with all the fun.

Ride safe!

Constitutional Carry Law Is Signed By AZ Governor

In case you didn't hear about it, Arizona has just passed the Constitutional Carry law. What is that, you ask? That is essentially the right to keep and bear arms as the 2nd amendment intended.

Here are a few blurbs from the announcement on the acmc list I'm on:

"Arizona now becomes the third state to not require written permission from the government for law-abiding citizens to exercise their right to bear arms discretely. Because Arizona is the first state in the U.S. with a large urban population to take this significant step, this is a watershed moment for the entire country."

"If you don't have a permit, don't start carrying concealed just yet. The law won't become effective until 90 days after "Sine Die" when the Legislature officially adjourns. Since they are still working through a slew of bills, we don't expect Sine Die anytime soon. In past years, the effective date of bills has been around September."

"CCW permits still have a purpose. You'll need one to streamline gun purchases, to carry in states that honor Arizona permits and for carrying concealed in establishments that serve alcohol. And, the training you receive to obtain a permit is an added bonus. Along with restoring your right to bear arms, SB 1108 added additional training opportunities for obtaining a permit. NRA classes and training from places like Front Sight
and Gunsite will be able to qualify as permit training."

"If you decide not to obtain a CCW permit, that doesn't mean you shouldn't train. The heaviest thing about wearing a firearm is the responsibility that comes with it. Take that money that you save on permit and renewal fees and spend it on quality training as often as you can. Lead by example - the world is watching."

Now, surprising as it may seem, this has been a hot issue here in the Valley of the Sun. Some people think it's a bad idea. I've heard people say this will make it easier for criminals to get weapons. Really? Criminals are not going to the local arms shop or gun show to buy their weapons. This law has no effect on how criminals obtain guns. You still must pass a federal background check in order to purchase a gun - that did not change. You just don't need special permission from the state to carry the gun concealed.

I have also heard some folks talk about what a danger this will be for LEOs. Um, not so much. Again, I know lots of people who carry concealed weapons, and people who open carry; none of them are a danger to LEOs now. They still won't be. One more time: this law has no effect on how criminals obtain guns.

I am personally tickled pink that this law has passed. Some may think this is taking a step backward to "The Wild West", but perhaps it's a step forward.

Talking In My Sleep - Updated

I felt Big D get into bed and the following conversation ensued:

Me: Did you turn off the hose?

Big D: Huh? Yes.

Me: I'm cold.

Me: Can you get me a blanket?

Big D: Do you think I just came to bed?

Me: Yeah

Big D: I just rolled over and you started asking questions

Me: Oh. Can I get that blanket?

(And yes, he did get up and put a heavy blanket on me.)

Has It Been That Long, Really?

Over the last month I have had very good intentions of posting. But what is it they say about the road to hell? Anyway, I do have lots to tell you, but this could turn into a VERY long post, so I'm going to do this list-style, otherwise I'll be here all damn day!

1. My baby girl turned 12 on March 24. We went to Kartchner Caverns in southern AZ. Stayed at a neat little hotel in Benson, AZ for the weekend. Had a great time. I totally recommend the Caverns to anyone who is NOT claustrophobic. :)
2. I took Annabelle on my first overnight trip last month. We rode to Tucson for BACA's Pima County Chapter's 1st Annual Poker Run. I ran out of gas on the freeway because Big D changed my fuel tank, and I had never run reserve before. It was real fun running out of gas at 80 mph on I-10 in front of 3 big rigs the day after that fatal crash involving a meth-head truck driver and 9 bikes. The good news is, I found out I have a 72-mile range on this tank before I hit reserve. :)  After that, my throttle got stuck wide open as we were pulling into Tucson. Yeah, 85 mph and I can't slow down without hitting the breaks. I pull in the clutch and Annabelle is screaming. But of course Big D was able to fix her. We think I picked up some bad gas when I ran out. It was a great weekend, and I'm not afraid of the freeway anymore. :)
3. My grandson Jayden turned 2 on Sunday. :)
4. As of today, I have been 11 days without a cigarette. Chantix really works. (aka: no dead bodies to hide)
5. I am maintaining my 3.91 GPA in school, and am now beginning my core classes.
6. Really good things are happening at work, for the company and for me.
7. We just found out that Dave and Willy D are going to join us for the BACA 100-mile ride camping trip! We're sad that BB and Mrs. Willy D can't go, but so happy that some of our crazy Cali friends can go! If anyone wants more info, email me. (Paul!)
8. My mother's condo has finally sold! Closing is at the end of June. We will be in our new home by my birthday...I hope. :)
9. Big D let me ride the Dyna. Now I know why he didn't want me to ride it. I love Annabelle. But seriously??? For those of you that don't know....a '99 Dyna is to an '88 Sportster what a Cadillac Escalade is to a Ford Pinto! WTF?! I keep threatening to take the Dyna to work some Friday. I will eventually. :) 

I know there's lots more, but I have to get ready for work, and the Chantix makes me a little crazy. :) I will try to post more often so I don't have to do these crazy list-type posts.

Ride safe!

Yes, I'm Still Here

I haven't posted lately and there are a few reasons for that.

First, I have been really busy at work, which is great. But school work has kicked up a few notches, too. And BACA has been keeping me very active, as well. If that weren't enough, I am planning some trips this year, too.

We are taking Vicki to Kartchner Caverns for her birthday in a few weeks. I think we're going to hit Tombstone, too. She's really excited, and so are we. It will be nice to get away for a night or two.

Then we are committed to going to the BACA Tucson Charter's 1st Annual Poker Run on 3/27. Some folks here in Phoenix are making it a day trip. Really? A day trip? Riding to Tucson at o-dark-30, doing a poker run and then riding home? I'll pass. So we're leaving Friday night, staying with some Tucson members and coming home Sunday. Much better.

We also have Abbey's Angel Ride this month. It seems we have something planned for every weekend this month!

April is a little better, but we're ramping up for BACA's 100-Mile-Ride on the 24th. April will be an extremely busy month for us. BTW...if you'd like to donate to BACA, now's the time to do it. The 100-Mile-Ride is our biggest ride of the year, and it is to raise awareness and $$. Email me if you would like to donate...it is tax deductible and would be greatly appreciated. Our kids need help. OK...I'll get off the soap box now.

So, you can see that we have tons of stuff going on over the next couple of months, and I have a feeling the summer will be no better. Too Broke for Sturgis is in July and the Fryed Brothers Band will be playing there this year. You can bet we will be there too.

We'll also be buying a house somewhere in there, too. And moving. For the last time in my life. :)

I hope everyone is doing well. Congrats to Dave and BB on their big news! And congrats to Kim, David, Sydney and Baby Brooke! :)

Ride safe and be well.