Blogger Award Goes Around and Around.....

A few days ago, Ann over at Random Thoughts bestowed this blogger award upon me. I am greatful that mine was one of the eight blogs she picked. Thanks, Ann!

I'd like to thank all who just stop by and read my little blog and give me such enjoyment by answering the posts! Thanks All!

These blogs are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers. Deliver this award to eight bloggers who must choose eight more and include this cleverly-written text into the body of their award."

I am hoping I will not double up here... but.... here are the eight blogs that I have chosen to receive this award:

Wooleys Rant: He was one of the first bloggers to visit mine... like old dusty friends.

Biker Betty: Yep, she was one of the first chick biker bloggers to visit and still is visiting.

Cruisin Down Under: CDU was the first Ausie to visit and actually sent me a Kangaroo sack!

The Ride: The first Blogger to share flickr photos with me and he always has good material about wrenching even though I still don't understand it.

The Harley-Davidson Mystique: You were one of the first guys to make me laugh.

Road Grits Cafe: This blogger makes me laugh harder and has some great old school thoughts.

Glider Rider: First biker chick blogger to have a content warning on her blog (that I know of).

Chessies Tales...: First good blog banter back and forth on issues that make sense.

There are so many more! I tried to escape the fact that this has gone around a few times but, well.... I just had to put my 8 in the pot. So I think between all of us... we got all of us!

Thanks again Ann!

BTW... you are so close... we need to plan a little ride!

BAC & THE URAL

Okay ... its been a long time since an update and I won't go into a whole lot of the past few weeks, but its been a long strange trip as they say. So much has happened, good and bad stuff, but now that the bad stuff is over the hump, the good will be posted.


Some of WROC with Junior of LifeStyle Cycles

WROC had our first ride being sponsored by LifeStyle Cycles on May 17th. Junior at LifeStyles set us up for VIP at the BAC ride (Bikers Against Cancer). It was a fun morning and I heard we had under a couple of hundred bikes leaving their shop to Irvine Lake. American Metal set us all up for breakfast. I arrived at about 8:00 a.m. just in time for hash browns and my yellow flag waiting for me for traffic control. Took awhile to get the toothpicks out of my eyes ;) Lori managed the parking. The parking lot seemed to disappear in the sea of bikes before the 10:00 a.m. kickstands up. A good thing. Smiles and even a few animals showed up to give a whack for the cancer cure. For two riding groups being fairly new, American Metal and WROC I think the ride went well. The lake was beautiful and the day was a beautiful blue skied umbrella above us. Thanks to Junior for giving us the VIP and thanks to American Metal for a wonderful breakfast to begin the day with. Everyone at BAC made it all happen and made the ride successful. Some pics here for you. You can go to my Flickr pages to view more.


Toots got to show off her new tat... okay now... cool it guys, she is also known as GI JESS! She's a personal trainer and can kick some booty! She rides a Deluxe too and has a cool fairing on it, goes out every weekend with her husband and still has energy to kick but running up and down stairs...which is why she looks so damn good....


Here's Randy of Rock and Roll Customs Paints and Lori, President of WROC N WROL. One of his trucks in the background. That's a Ghost Rider paint job on the truck before the Ghost Rider movie was done.


Emma and her parents even came for line-up.


Nice fannys!

On another note, the part of my mother's trust has been settled. It freed me up from bills and gave me a little to play with and a little bit to donate to some of my favorite charities. My father actually should have reaped the rewards of that money, but he never lived long enough. When my mother died it was split six ways between my siblings. My father always said to save most and do something with your money that you know will bring a smile to your face. When that part of the will settled last week, I did just that. Donated some and bought a little something.

The husband on the URAL. (I covered his mug with clip art :)
I bought a 2009 URAL Sahara. One of 18 sent to the U.S., however, there are quite a few URAL's here. It took a little getting used too. The "yaw" in it threw me off at first, so did the front end. It was so tight I could hardly turn the thing into my driveway. I grabbed the manual and found the little doohickey on the handlebars and loosened it up. Now I can steer it with ease. Yes, I said "steer" it. Its weird not leaning into a curve, but then again, its easily overcome.

So, why did I buy it? For one thing, just as my Dad said... have some fun. I am so positive he is looking down on me and nudging me to laugh more while I enjoy riding. For another practical reason, the husband doesn't ride... at all. So I thought this would be fun to get out, the three of us, Me, husband and Murray. Murray loves it. I have already hooked his rig up. I went to Pet Smart and figured it all out. Pics to come on that one. He has taken two rides already and just sits there with the wind in his furry face. Loves it. So do I. The husband likes it too except when I corner too fast for him...and I know when I am taking it too fast for him when I look down and he is trying to steer and brake from the sidecar :) Makes me laugh so much my goggles fog up! It hasn't hit the freeway yet. It's still in the break-in period and so far its been up to a whopping 55mph in town. 10 more miles to go to hit the freeway at 65mph. I have another 200 miles to go before the 500 mile mark of freeway exploration. I am ready to travel up the coast on Highway 1 with Murray so the freeway needs to come soon.

Speaking of exploring... Carla King, also known as the Duchess of URAL has been everywhere on her URAL and has written a book entitled American Borders. She is currently in Morocco and tweeting about it. She's an amazing traveller on her URAL and braves the continents with her love of riding it. She is also writing a book of her travels in China on the URAL.

The URAL, in no way, will replace my Harleys. I love them too much. As a matter of fact, I craved my two wheels so much I went out for the day and came back with the sorest arms ever. Nice! My neck still hurts...but in a good way.

So that's a couple of things that have been going on. Lots will ba happening in the next couple of months as ride season is upon the country finally. So, til next time. Hope life finds you all healthy and riding!

Happy Trailzzzzz
KT Did

China Ride

My brother Preston is in China. He came upon this and thought of me. Thought I would pass the picture onto you all. It looks like it has a whole little room back there!

KT Did

CALIFORNIA'S SMOG BILL SB435

Just passing this on from ABATE to you. I have lots to tell but still need the time for it. This was important to pass on now. I will be catching up soon. In the meantime, here is the lasted e-mail update I received yesterday.


...just got word that SB 435, the motorcycle smog bill, has passed out of the Appropriations Committee and could be put to a vote on the floor of the Senate as early as next week.

If you haven't already done so, contact your Senator and ask them to oppose SB 435.

According to our lobbyist, the most effective argument we have is that this will result in decreased motorcycle registrations. The reason is because they're counting on all the motorcycles that are currently registered to pay the smog fee in order to fund the various changes that will need to be made in order to include motorcycles in the smog check program. If there ends up being less motorcycles registered as a result of this law then their numbers don't wash and lord knows Kahlifornia doesn't have any money to spare.

If you own multiple registered motorcycles and would likely choose not to re-register all of them because of this law it's important to make that known.

and

The motorcycle smog check program is projected to remove less than 1/2% of total pollutants from vehicles.

The bill could actually result in more pollutants if people choose to ride older motorcycles rather than have to go through smog.

The only place this has been tried before were two counties in AZ and they've given up the program after it was determined to be ineffective.


You can find your Senator at http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/yourleg.html by typing in your zip code. Click on their name and you'll be taken to their home page where you should be able to find a 'contact me' link. That will take you to an online form where you fill out your contact info and are given a space to put your message.

Please pass this on to anyone you think will take action...

KT Did

REMEMBER TO BE PROUD

I have been so busy, but cannot be busy enough to thank and respect those to remember for my being able to ride free in this great country of ours. They say freedom is not free. "They" are right. Many lost lives for this country for what some may say was in vain. I do not agree. Each and every service man and woman who gave their lives in the uniform of America deserves recognition this Memorial Day and every day of our lives.

So from me.... a huge THANK YOU TO MY COUNTRY'S SERVICE MEN AND WOMEN who have made me so proud to be an American. A huge THANK YOU TO THEIR FAMILIES who lost their loved one for a freedom that I have every day in this great country. They did not fall in vain. They live on in the souls of Americans everywhere.

Have a safe Memorial Day Monday and ride safe all weekend.

Proud To Be On American Happy Trailzzz
KT Did

Catching Up.

So here it is... I apologize for not being around lately.

Geezzzz, has everyone been busy...including me. I apologize Dean for worrying you.
I haven't had the mojo to write anything so I have kept away except for the Facebook, Twitting, world. They are easy...one liners and most are redundant. I can go in and out of those forums. Here, though, I like to settle in and read and write. Since I do it purely for enjoyment, I didn't want to force feed you with anything. I have tried to catch-up on a few of my fellow bloggers, but since the concentration is minimum these days with me, I have failed even at that.

The techno world brought me into buying a new phone... a Blackberry Curve to be exact. I am not sure I really "love" it like others do. While I was away, I thought I was responding to blogs and comments, however, it looks like not one got posted. I can receive all my e-mails from my accounts, reply to them, but for some reason...not the blogs. I will have to figure that one out. I was hoping it would take the place of my laptop for simple things like this. I was told it would. I have uploaded the Opera Mini browser for it now and hope that might help. I will see how long my patience can be tried.

With all other excuses I have had to deal with an estate issue and soon it will be over with and will be free of all unintelligent that I have been dealing with. Dealing with people who just don't get it and purely could use some common sense makes me sit back and be grateful that I am a patient person. I can wait it out even though I prefer to get it over and done with. Looks like there is light at the end of the tunnel on that issue.

Riding has been in between and rides are coming. This weekend is a a BAC ride. Bikers Against Cancer at Irvine Lake, in Santiago Canyon. Since my mother, father and mother-in-law died from cancer and a couple of my best girlfriends have battled it, I find it a good cause to give my money to. Cancer Sucks and if I can ride and give my day to raising some funds to fight that devil, I will. I will be at LifeStyle Cycles early Sunday morning for the short ride to Irvine Lake so if anyone is local and wants to join in, let's do it.

On another matter, we have finally formed our new riding group, WROC 'N WROL, Women Riders Of California and We Ride Our Lifestyle. That was a blast to do. Its an easy group to join or just ride along with. We formed it in the hopes to give to small charities that get the monies right then and there. No in betweeners. A ride for our kickoff will be planned soon when we figure it all out. Our website is up but still has a lot of information to be put on it. Slowly but surely it will all come together. At least it is up and running for the season in time for at least two local charitable events.

Further.....Thanks to Willy D's approach to political issues, I understand we still have a chance on the smog issues here in California. He actually got a real letter with a real response! That's rich! I love his letter to his rep and intend on "borrowing" his verbiage. Good stuff there Willy and thanks for posting an update. In the next couple of days I will be sifting through my incoming from ABATE to catch up with them too.

Okay... next.... I bought the "Why We Ride" book by Tami Walker. Glider Rider did a write up on it. I like good stories and think its great women love to ride and have sucked it up into their lives to share it. The way I look at it, if you don't share your good times, then what's the use. I mean, that's why we blog...right?! Sharing is the fun part of life and turning people on to riding is an opportunity that I love to do. I have no weird ego about it. I know my limits, and I know I take my limits to the extent I can. That's the part I like. Giving back to those who helped me. So I hope this little book of inspirations and spirits does Tami well.

Well there you have it... not much when it comes to writing it down. I am still catching up and hope to be back in the swing of thing with pics after the ride on Sunday. I have other things in the pot that when it all comes together I can't wait to write about. Hopefully soon. In the meantime....ride safe.

Happy To Catch Up Trailzzzz
KT Did

Now Is The Time!

Now is the time Californians!

Here is a sample letter to e-mail to your representative. We have a day to write. Write it.
I went into the State's site directly and e-mailed this to my rep. Its easy. Just copy it, fill in your information and push send.


April 25, 2009

Honorable (Your Senator) (Find him/her on this link )
RE: Senate Bill 435

Dear Senator,

As an avid motorcyclist I am contacting you to ask for your NO vote on SB 435. This bill, authored by Senator Fran Pavley in February of this year, authorizes the inclusion of model year 2000 and newer motorcycles, over 280 cc, in California’s smog check program starting in 2012. The bill as introduced, contains no details about the program, only the authorization for it to begin.

I strongly urge your No vote on SB 435 for the following reasons:

Motorcycles do not contribute enough pollution to warrant being included in a smog check program.

Motorcycles constitute less than 3% of the total number of motor vehicles in California and on average, travel 25% less than cars and trucks. Motorcycles, because of their low mileage usage and much higher gas mileage than cars and trucks, represent only 1.5% of the total for all mobile source emissions.California motorcycle engine emission standards were lowered drastically in 2008, making California motorcycles already the cleanest in the nation. There is no evidence that motorcycles that have been modified for performance or gas economy reasons emit any more emissions than stock motorcycles. In fact, a motorcycle smog checks in an Arizona county were eliminated after it was proven that they did not reduce emissions enough to continue the program. The cost to implement and conduct a motorcycle smog check program will cost California more then the value of the emissions it is estimated to save. A smog check program for motorcycles will discourage new motorcycle purchases – an unfortunate (and unnecessary) consequence, especially during the current economic downturn.

I thank you for your time and consideration on this very important issue and again strongly urge you to vote against SB 435.

Sincerely,

Sign Your Name

R.I.P. MARGE HUMMEL

MARGE HUMMEL
Asphalt Angel



I just received the sad news that Marge Hummel has passed away last night from cancer from her Great Grand Neice.


For those of you who do not know of her, I did a blog post in March 2006. Please go on over and read about her. She was a pioneer woman in a time when women stayed barefoot and pregnant in family homes. This one did both and showed us all the power of the freedom feeling of riding a motorcycle.


My humble condolences to the family and friends of this lady who came before many and had the guts to do it.

A special thank you and prayers to the neice who wrote in.

Respects,

KT Did

Just My Opinion -- Where Do We Go From Here?

Everyone says to write your representatives. I do and just today I received my response to a letter I wrote regarding the off road vehicles being taken off the floors because of the "lead" issues. I was urged to join a write in through my local ABATE. Here it is:


Thank you very much for your letter expressing concern about the implementation of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (Public Law 110-314). I understand the challenges facing off-highway vehicle (OHV) manufacturers that must comply with the law's requirements and welcome the opportunity to respond to your concerns.

As you know, legislation enacted last year included requirements intended to limit the exposure of children to lead and phthalates in children's products. Specifically, children's products containing more than 600 parts per million of lead were banned from production and sale. An unexpected consequence of this legislation is that youth motorcycles and OHV's are affected by these limits due to the high lead content of some metal components.

I understand your concern that there is little potential for harm to children due to lead exposure in these vehicles. However, the CPSC currently believes that it does not have the legal authority to provide an exemption to the law at this time. That said, the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation argues that the CPSC may provide a stay of enforcement in this situation and is hopeful that such action may be taken under new leadership at the Commission. Additionally, Senator Jon Tester (D-MT) has introduced legislation known as the "Common Sense in Consumer Product Safety Act" (S. 608), which would exempt vehicles intended for children between the ages of 7 and 12 from the law's lead limits.

In the meantime, the CPSC will continue to review this issue and provide appropriate guidance to manufacturers and retailers. Please know that I will keep your thoughts in mind should the Senate take further action regarding this matter. You may wish to visit the CPSC website at www.cpsc.gov/about/cpsia/cpsia.html for more information.

Again, thank you for writing. If you have any further questions or comments, please do not hesitate to contact my Washington, D.C. office at (202) 224-3841. Best regards.

Sincerely yours,

Dianne Feinstein
United States Senator


Further information about my position on issues of concern to California and the Nation are available at my website http://feinstein.senate.gov/public/. You can also receive electronic e-mail updates by subscribing to my e-mail list at http://feinstein.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=ENewsletterSignup.Signup.

I'm just a little F*&#*ing pissy here... just my opinion.

On another write in campaign.....

In the State of California... Motorcycles may now have to go through smog checks. The bill passed the Senate Transportation Committee.

Write and raise some hell riders!!

Just my other opinion......

KT Did

Rock and Roll Custom Paintworks

I have not done much blogging for the simple reason I have not done much riding, except for the usual around town stuff. I decided since I had to sit out my front yard renovations with cement pours and all that entailed I would get the work I needed done on the Deluxe before I head into some planned rides coming up.

After I had the ape hangers and pipes rearranged for my little self, I decided to go ahead and get larger saddlebags. Harley only makes one set of saddlebags that fit the Deluxe with stock pipes, so I was stuck with bags that looked good but held nothing. After getting the pipes changed out I discovered the bags looked small on the bike and now was the time to move to something more substantial. I had been saving for this moment so I did it.

After packing for a trip never taken (another post for another time), I now know I can get all my clothes on one side of the bike and the other held my emergency items, oil, tools, laptop, half helmet, Road Captain's adapter, all the goods I need and still I have spare room. I bought liners for the bags and lifting them out and walking away with them is the prize! No more undoing bungees to deal with...although I did pack those too. I felt I had a virtual closet with me. Well... okay I did. In any case, I now can take a couple of weeks and go without packing the duffel bag and just open the bags and carry in. To me that is luxury.

Still with projects and the unseen unraveling of the road trip, I still had some spare time to do the last of what I have been wanting to do on the bike, and that is get it painted. I have wanted a Beatles theme painted on the bike since I bought it and since the opportunity had risen,I put it in for painting.

Rock and Roll Custom Paintworks in Orange did a beauty of a job for me. They have been featured on Discovery Chanel, Speed, TLC, Overhaulin', Kustomizer and more is on the table for them. I did not know that when I went there. I just googled local painters locally and the name got me. I e-mailed them and receiving such a quick response from Ken, I went in to talk about my bike. I was impressed from the moment I walked into the shop. Loads of fenders and tanks already painted and ready to go along with a couple of cars in the showroom. There are samplings of artwork all around including custom painted helmets. With all this around, they give off a "Ma & Pa" attitude and give no ego as to who they have painted for. It was very much a local, down to earth shop. They answered all questions for me and the decision was easy... I wanted them to paint my bike.


My Tank Left Side


Tank Right Side--wish this was better--reflections.


Shop At Rock & Roll Custom Paints



When I was ready to bring it in I called and they rallied for a photo shoot I have coming up and they made it happen in less than a week. Awesome. I was a big babypants when I went to pick it up. Seeing the paint job and The Beatles portraits on the tank brought tears as the moment felt complete for me. The memory of my Dad taking me to see The Beatles and the feeling I had at that concert all seemed to hit me all at once. I now have that forever riding with me. It was more than I expected. The faces are right on and the Black Bird's feathers on the front fender down to The Beatles emblem on the back fender are incredible.


Black Bird Fly

Randy, the owner, has it all in the bag there. His walls are covered with pictures of him with celebs that he's painted for. One of him and Michele Smith of American Thunder stood out for me. He did her bike too. He started custom painting cars in his father's shop when he was only 9 years old. Working and learning from industry legend George Barris (Batmobile, Monkee-Mobile, Munsters Coach & more). At age 15, he was custom painting bikes. Yep... my bike was in good hands.

Thanks to everyone over at Rock and Roll Custom Paintworks! Couldn't have been done better with anyone else. The name says it all... Rock and Roll.

So after a few weeks of prep and customizing the bike I am done. Ready to Roll...and ready to roll with our newly formed riding group: WROC. We like to say, WROC N' WROL...that is Women Riders of California--We Ride Our Lifestyle. I will be posting info on that one in the near future.



I will have more photos when I can get the bike to a spot with a better background and no reflection from the tank. In the meantime you can go to the flickr page I have to check out the shop and the first pics taken on the bike.


Randy, Owner of Rock and Roll Custom Paintworks with my bike.

Yep I am stoked.

Yea Yea Yea Its Happy Trailzzz,


KT Did

First Annual Bike Week in New Orleans Needs Suggestions!

I got an e-mail the other day from Karlene. She is in charge of a project and needed some "spread the word" help. I know some of you are from the East Coast and other in between places so I hope you help pass the word. You can contact her through the website.

Here is her letter to me:

I am writing to ask for your assistance, I am assembling an event specifically for women riders - I am looking for some women who lives and knows the area in New Orleans to help lead and guide a group of women riders on a ride. I have the ride route pretty much figured out, but I am running into a snag trying to find riding groups or women that would want to help.
Do you know any clubs, organizations or individuals in that area that would be open to helping? The dates would be May 6th-10th. I have researched on the internet, but most of the websites are outdated etc..I am trying to contact the HOG chapters. This is the inaugural event and I have assembled some pretty large sponsors and wonderful things for women that week.
Here is the main link if you want to check it out..
maybe there is someone on your blog??
Bike Week New Orleans

Thanks all...hope you all can help.

In the meantime, I have been enjoying my new driveway! Post to come. I am taking a couple of short trips and in a couple of weeks I will have lots of tales to tell.

Happy Trailzzz
KT Did

Women on High Heels..March Is Women's History Month

March is Women's History month. For that reason I thought I would write a little about some historic women on eight wheels instead of two. Any of you remember Roller Derby?

My brother Preston and I went to S.F. for the day and on the way we talked about a whole bunch of stuff, and one of them was our memory of watching roller derby being practiced in Alameda. They were a tough set of women and men. Geez they slammed each other.

There they were, all battle torn and bruised up. Laughing, toothless grinning, holes in their stockings on roller skates right after getting thrown and elbowed. Wow! What women! They were scary amazing. One of them was Joanie Weston. The "Golden Girl". She was a beauty, tall platinum blond with an Ursula Andrews figure, and held the title of Roller Derby Queen for four years. She was an all star in the derby world and actually set the team up to win. A hard hitting athlete she was. I don't think Bruno the Bouncer ever wanted to cross her path. She left to the big Roller Derby Rink in the sky in 1997.


This one is a little long but entertaining.

It was always so amazing to me how they would skate around that wooden circle, elbow the other women skaters to try and make them fall, then pull their fellow team skater ahead of the whole pack. Intense moments were when the two in front actually battled it out over an elbow or knee dig. All went well if the others in the back of the pack didn't get into a fight and start ripping each others hair out. By that I mean grabbing a handful of hair and being dragged. Skating smoothly never happened. That was the excitement of the sport. That was the purpose...to wait for the moment that the helmet was thrown to the ground and they would go at it. The two in front would eventually catch up to the pack and inevitably win or fight. Most of the time fight. Yea baby! This was great family entertainment. Arm breaking family television enjoyment.

When I was in Phoenix last year at Bike Week there was a roller derby exhibit. This time it was on concrete. Sure, it was all staged, but they were still falling and roller skating in the heat of the day... and on concrete outdoors. Roller Derby road rash still hurts and it still lives on. The resurgence of the real derby has been upon us too. I might take in show or two if I ever hear of one close.

Here's a little something else I found on You Tube.



So, to me these women made history. Just like the motorcycle legendary women we all know and use as mentors, these women athletes were tough broads that paved a way for all women. They broke boundaries by being mothers, wives and brutes on eight wheels, in public and on TV for all to see...and they got paid for it! Awesome!

Happy Trailing Wheels for Women's History Month!
KT Did

Sons of Anarchy - Hulu.com

I have been trapped in the house during my cement pours in the front yard, so I have been on the computer and in front of the TV a lot in the past couple of days. After watching the commercial, I decided to check out the Hulu.com channel on the Internet. Yep, the Sons of Anarchy are on there. Just insert the show name. I can now watch the reruns during tomorrow's cement event. So I copied the widget to show and tell for those of you yet to discover it. Its an interesting channel. All movies and TV... and its free.

Have fun,
KT Did

It's Joker's Fault!....Custom Rubber Soul!

So I had to do it too after Joker posted his custom, I went in and did it too. I am calling my bike Rubber Soul. My very first album I ever bought and still have...somewhere.

Three posts in one day... think that's a record for me.

Posting Trailzz Away!
KT Did

And The Award Goes To......... Read on....

For a day of the Academy Awards this fun to do. Joker has led me into the Fabulous Blog Award chain gang. Of course, I cannot refuse. As much as a chain it is, I never receive anything, so I will take it. It comes with a set of rules to follow too.

Here are the rules for those of you who have come here to receive your award from me:

1. You must pass it on to 5 other Fabulous bloggers in a post receiving the award.
2. You must include the person that gave you the award, and link it back to them.
3. You must list 5 of your Fabulous addictions in the post.
4. You must copy and paste these rules in the post.

I am going to try and not double back on everyone so I pass the award onto those not listed in Joker's award winning list:

Wooly's Rant
Keep The Rubber Side Down
fasthair
Mimis Motorcycle Journal(She was the first blogging chick I met up with).
Biker Betty (She was the first chick rider I blogged with).
Joker--The Harley-Davidson Mystique

Okay... now for my addiction list:

1. I am addicted to taking my time, but I am always on time.
2. Laughiing at everything... even the bad. Sometimes I have to leave the room.
3. Chocolate and a good glass of red wine & Tostidos whole grain tortilla chips.
4. Riding and tweaking the bikes. Don't think that will ever stop. Its ongoing.
5. High blood pressure pills.

There you have it. So I am doing what Ann and Joker said to do and that is to spread the love around.

With two posts in one day I am leaving for a few days on a little trip. Nope not riding, just waiting for the cement to dry on the driveway. Yippeeee!

Thank you Joker!

Happy Trailzz
KT Did

Virtual Riding Television

For those of you who can't get out and about riding due to weather or otherwise, I have this great link with some of the best footage out there taken from a motorcycle. The site is called Virtual Riding Television and they are out of Canada.

They also have their own You Tube site. VRide TV.

Virtual Happy Trailzz
KT Did

ITS WOOLEY BUGGERS FAULT!

Wooley, did I know you when I was a kid on my dead end street?!

You brought back memories of my own little fire truck. I am smiling happily here with the wind in my hair. I guess this was the beginning of it all. Funny, but this is one of a handful of pictures I have of me as a kid. Wouldn't you know, I am in my fire truck. My brother Peter had the Chevy... go figure that one out!

I surely hope to meet you one day Wooley. I think we are kindred spirits. Thank you for your memory. One thing though: I don't push... unless its a V-Twin these days;)

Ladder Up The Happy Trailzzz,
KT Did

Happy Valentines Day!

How about some cheese for Valentines Day... Lamb Chopper cheese to be exact. Yes, it was bought because of the label. However, the cheese is/was very good. I ate it all during the past couple of days. Couldn't wait til Valentines Day. Foogitaboutit...it was good!

Smooth
Creamy
Not too hard
Not too soft
Yes, you need a knife
Does not spread
Put an olive on the top

(Joker: I expect your comment will be an interesting one)

It seems that Cypress Grove has a whole line of cheeses with unusual names such as, Purple Haze, Humboldt Fog, Fog Lights, Mad River Roll, and so on. Since I liked the Lamb Chopper, I think I will go on to the Mad River Roll next. Hmmmmmmm...Lets see here, we could make a little story out of the cheese names:

Lamb Chopper took a ride after taking some Purple Haze. She hit some tortuous Humboldt Fog. She had no Fog Lights on her bike. She almost took a Mad River Roll but got it together and got home safe. All to be milked for some cheese. The lesson: Don't get wasted and ride! Have a safe Valentines Day!

So there it is... my biker cheese tasting/eating/recovery/review/story.

Wishing you all a pleasurable Valentines Day. Since I am out of cheese, I am going to eat popcorn and watch tv...nice:) Make it a safe and great one folks!



Happy Valentine Trailzzzz
KT Did

"FILLERUP" TO THE GAS PUMPS!

For some reason today I got a little reminiscent of the past.

I was watching Pearl Harbor tonight and saw the scene where the chick (Kate Beckinsale) is talking to the guy (Ben Afleck) in front of a gas station. I thought of how much I loved that particular scene. There they were, two people talking in front of two old gas station pumps. I know some of you don't remember those pumps actually working, but I do. I know, I am telling my age, something I am not shy of ever doing. I am what I am... almost 55. The thing is, I miss it. I miss the service. I miss the one on one. I miss the paint job on the pumps and how they kept those station really, really, really clean. The neon lights on the station. I miss those days of paying nothing for gas and then going to the Sweet Shop to get a burger and coke on lunch money and listen to the Juke Box after filling the tank.

At the pump, the owner, or kid, would come up to your car window in a uniform and usually with a little cap on and say, "What would you like Sir", to my father. "Fillerup", he would say back. There was a feeling of being special in the gas station back then. The attendant would run around and grab the pump. Ding, ding, ding. Remember that? There was a dinging sound while the gas was being emptied into the tank. While our station wagon was being filled with leaded gas, he would grab the cloth and wash the windshield. Yes, I said cloth. There were no squeegees back then. He would not only wash the windshield, but he would wash the rear view mirrors and back window too. All with that goofy looking pointy cap on his head. Anything was at your command back then in the gas station. My father would have to do nothing. Just listen to my mother yelling at us kids in the back of the station wagon while she was smoking Pal Mals...all in the gas station.

For some reason I used to Lovvvvvvve the smell of gas. I figured out, when I got older, the reason my Dad would get out of the car was because my mother was always screaming at us 6 kids. It was his private time so to speak. So he would get out of the car after the attendant started his service. That's when I loved to be in the gas station....My dad used to sing this song: Gasoleeen like in Kakoleeen. Over and over and over again. I loved it. I always had permission to get out of the car whenever my dad did just so I could smell the gas and have my father serendade me with his silly song he sang just for me. My mother knew I loved the smell of gas and knew dad's song time for me was special. So I can thank them both for the memory. Crazy chick I was back then. Go figure I don't have lung cancer... yet. My brother Peter and my Mother used to laugh at us out there in the gas station. My mother saying: Look at Katy Did and Daddy being silly. What a sight, me looking up to my dad while he sang that old silly song...to me while I smelled the gas! One great memory. One I will cherish forever. I felt like I was number one with my father. We had a connection of the gas station and later on in my life... motorcycles (He used to "test drive" my boyfriend's bikes before I got to go on the dates--that's a picture..my father riding bitch on my boyfriend's bikes!)

This year in June, I am riding with Gloria and Mariecruz to the Grand Canyon. On our way back we are riding Route 66. I think I will feel right at home on that road. I think I will have come full circle on the retro circuit feel of the road when I am on that. Sorta like an old bag on a bike. I hope to see a gas station, working or not, with pumps and all. I hope to feel that feeling I had and still hold in my heart for that gas station pump and sing that little song my dad did to me in my head. Silly, I know, but I feel we all have that little something... that little silliness... that little love memory that keeps us going as riders. That little gas pump on the road that could and did and will.

Those old gas station pumps now are in some one's backyard as conversation pieces, sold at swap meets, or in some dump yard considered as useless items. To me they are a memory made of diamonds. They are gold and worth a million good memories which I wish kids today could have. A part of my life. A time that will never be again. Sorta like James Dean, Marilyn Monroe, Frank Sinatra, or my brother Peter who would have been 57 this year if he had lived. We had some incredible good memories of that time between us...if you recall from an earlier post, he had the mini bike in my life.

So I guess this post is of growing...being able to take the change and bring to today the experience and joy of the past. Being able to keep the past alive, even though most of it is gone and the recurrences of it is unattainable today.

Ordering the burger and malt in the Sweet Shop next to the Alameda Theatre is gone. The gas station pumps are gone. The laughter with my brother Peter is gone. But I will never forget what it gave to me. Love. Love of Life and the continuance of that in memory that is not gone. A forever part of my soul.

Life only lasts once. As riders we generally know this. As riders we constantly remind each other of it. Why? I guess, like the gas pump, it can only last for so long. Then we become a memory.... but one hell of memory it is. It is a great life this is that we ride and love each moment of it. Whether its to go to the store and buy milk or ride the Iron Butt Ride. We need to live it. Ride it. Enjoy it. Marry it with our souls and spirit and ride like crazy til we can't ride anymore and tell the tale.

So lift the glass and cheers:
To The Gas Pumps Gone By And To Pumping Our Rides With Miles Ahead Of Us!

Happy Pumping Trailzzzz.
KT Did

MAMA GOT A NEW SET OF PIPES!

Okay, I had it with frying my leg on my pipes! I now have a good little 3rd degree burn/scar on my right calf. I came home a couple of weeks ago and just thought my leg, as usual, was burning from my pipes. My jeans weren't burned so I didn't think much of it til I took the jeans off and noticed a gigantic burn and blister to go with it. That was it.

I met Jr. owner of Lifestyle Cycles in Anaheim on a night that a couple of us girls were checking out American Thunder meeting. He told me he could check the bike out. Knowing I have been told by Harley that they could not fix the heat problem, I was pretty skeptical that anything could improve. I had already wrapped the pipes and put heat shields on. Still didn't work. $$ later, I now have a wonderful scar on my leg.

So when Jr. said he could remedy the problem, I took him up on it. I had an appointment to have Harley put some apes on the Deluxe, so I told Jr. he could do that also.

I went in the next day to Lifestyle Cycles. He set me up with his service guy Mike. He's not too tall either so we had the mutual understanding of leg burns. He shared his burnt jean stories and I my burn.

Jr. and Mike both had me sit on a couple of bikes. Immediately, they both had me fitted with dual fishtails and 14" apes. A new kickstand too. Shorter... since I had the bike lowered the kickstand has always been a struggle on the slightest incline. They spent a good hour with me talking and going over all the different things to improve my ride. At the end of the mulling over, it came down to price and what I could afford. I tell you, It was a fair price and I am happier than I have been in that past 3 years of owning the bike. I decided to have them do everything... I was just plain tired of bitching about being burned. Jr. guaranteed me that if I didn't like it, he would put it back to the way I came in with it. To me it was a win win situation. So I did it.

I picked the bike up last week and when I looked at it, it was a brand new bike to me. The real test was the ride home. Just starting up the bike with the new pipes, louder too, and the apes being more comfortable made all the difference. As I turned out the driveway I immediately felt the difference... WHY DID I WAIT SO LONGGGGGGGGG TO DO THIS!!!

I was on cloud nine riding home. It has more power and I love the sound and look. Its taken me a bit of getting used to, as it seems the front end is heavier, but I am much more comfortable on it after riding it for a few days now. I can probably last in parade mode now too. I do still have to wrap my left knee because I am just short and the pipe every now and then hits it, but it is a small wrap and 100% better. I am happy. I don't feel the heat like before. I felt like every time I was on the bike I was in a sweat bath from the heat that came up from the pipes.

The kickstand still needs to be tweaked a little. I am having a hard time with the reach. But having it lowered really helps with parking on any kind of unlevel ground. Mike is going to do some metal work and make it fit.

All in all ... I am recommending Lifestyle Cycles specialty shop. They modified my bike to fit me. Mama is happy!



Happy Modification Trailzz
KT Did

BANDIT THE BIKER DOG--RIP

This Image is from Bandit's Site.

In the midst of updating my site and links I found that a dear little friend to a lot of California bikers and children as passed on. Bandit the Biker Dog. He was a little shining soul during our rides at CHOC and at some occasions seeing him at Cooks Corner. Those of us that have animals as family pets know what it feels to lose a part of the heart to a true family member like Bandit. I still ride with my Andyboyz scarf on my bike.

He was a good boy...one to be remembered. I can only imagine that Bandit is rockin' Heaven's clouds riding the twisties. They have a blood drive coming up on March 21, 2009. I can't do blood... I am a sissy and pass out, but if anyone can do it check the site out. Be ready for tears and the joy of memories.

Rest In Peace
Happy Heavenly Trailzz Our Little Asphalt Angel Doggy Bandit
KT Did

EASY RIDER SHOW & OUR TROOPS

What can I say other than I have been a little lazy the past few weeks. I have a little bit of catching up to, but that's not unusual for me...


The Easy Rider Show was back on January 11th. It was another great day for CC getting out and riding again. Unfortunately she is mending at this writing, but will be back up soon. But we did have a wonderful day of girl stuff and walking around admiring all the bikes.


This years's show was almost cut in half. The economy has us all good, i.e. Harley Davidson cutting down also. But it seems that the bikers seem to still rally and get to the shows to give support for the vendors, musicians and the promotors. The shows are still one of the best places to get the "stuff" I like. I can negotiate a little and feel like I get a deal.

This year we met up off the freeway and rode in with about 14 bikes or so. We parked in different parking lots. Unlike other bike shows, this one we had to pay for parking. Don't like that, but we chose a lot that charged two for $9. I had some coupons that helped out on the entry ticket. Still, I don't like being charged for these things....but we were all pretty much together and we had a day of it.

Mimi e-mailed me and she rode up from San Diego... about a good 1 1/2 hours ride. It was windy, but she made her pretty face present. I like her. She's a complete doll. Her full face is a good thing. When you look at her, you can't help but think: "wish I had skin like hers!" I look forward to hanging out more with her.

Mimi at the Barbi Bike... looking for Ken!

Mimi with Betsy & Me... See! Just look at her skin!! Beautiful!

We planned to meet up with Betsy Huelskamp during the show too. CC and her go back some and they caught up on some laughter together while Mimi and I took pics and listened to music. A friend of Betsy's and Sasha Mullins, The Jasmine Cain Band played. It seems a lot of people don't listen to the music at this certain show. They should. It was good. I would like to hear the band play in a more intimate setting to hear their talents. Nice.

We all ate, enjoyed the show, spent the day talking about forming a real ladies riding group. We were in general, just excited to ride with CC and be together... it had been awhile. Mimi joining us made the day even brighter!

Riding home was nice. Mimi left down the 15 home to San Diego. Robin, Debbie, CC and I; I took off to the freeway south, while Gloria living just around the corner waved us on with kisses in the wind til next time. Nice day, nice friends, nice little ride.

Okay... I have to share this with you all too. I did not go on this ride, but Robin headed up a group of riders to escort our soldiers into the Rose Bowl straight off the planes from Iraq. She sent me this little e-mail and a couple of pics....

Sorry you could not join us. It was a great day. We got to talk to the returning troops, and to personally welcome them home & thank them for their service to our country. They were from all over the US, and were discharged from this tour in Iraq, right there on the field of the Rose Bowl. What an unbeatable memory they will take home with them.
Most of them looked like they were 16 years old! But they were very excited. I think they took more photos of us & our bikes, than we did of them. The organizers hoped for 300-500 motorcycles to escort the 3 buss loads of soldiers. We ended up with over 1000. And we had 2 LAPD helicopters following along above us.
At the ceremony, they honored veterans from all branches of the military. It was quite moving. They had a few old vets from WW2, one passed out from the heat, but was ok. I definately want to join the Patriot Guards who do stuff like this all over the country with their bikes.
See ya,
Robin

Yeaaa!!!! A total "ahhhaaaaa" moment. You can't beat that, nor the faces on these guys in these pics.





More power to our troops!

Happy Homecoming Trailzzz
KT Did

THANKS ROAD CAPTAIN USA!

I got my new battery adapter thingy that lets me have power to my cell phone if I need it on the road. For a lack of better wrenching words, that's the way I am explaining this gadget. I saw it on Road Captain USA's site a little while back and put it on my wish list. I love to get stuff in the mail and this is great! I already tried it out.


I even got a pen!


I didn't even need instructions!


Hook it into the cell phone thingy...


Working!!

There you go. For a few bucks I feel safe... unless I am in a dead zone with the phone...at which point I would wish I was a smoker so I can use it as a lighter...then I would need some Jacky D...and so on and so on..........ha!

Thanks Road Captain USA! I got it fast and in perfect package condition!

Happy Thingy Adapter Trailzzzz
KT Did

JUST MY OPINION-SANCHEZ... WHAT WERE YOU THINKIN'!

Well, here's yet another miff of mine on pictures of women making goofy moves in life. I have let this stew awhile thinking it would blow over, but every time I think of it... well... it pisses me off.

I received a holiday card from our Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez. I won't talk about her political positions or anything like that, but rather the card and what it portrays.

Here's a scan of the card:



At first glance you might smile and laugh and think nothing of it, I did just that. But then I really looked at it and realized what it represents to me being a Californian and a woman rider.

My problem is not that she doesn't ride. A lot of people like to take pics on bikes and don't ride. You know, the tourist picture. The model pictures. The problem is that she is a Congresswoman representing the State of California where there is a helmet law. She is not a tourist. She is not a model. She represents the State of California. She represents everyone, or she is suppose to... not herself. For a Congresswoman, she just doesn't get it. There I said it.

She not only has no helmet on, no long sleeves/jacket, no gloves, no goggles, but her cat is on the handlebars! She made the local newspaper back in December. It did hit the headlines. Most just seemed to think it was "cute". I want to know why a governmental state representative would think its "cute" to pose as if she is breaking her own State's law.

There was a disclaimer on the back of the card. I have to give her that one. I guess if I was a representative of the State of California I'd better put one on too. So you know she thought about it, but she went ahead and took the photo anyway and sent out the cards. That's what gets me. What was she thinkin?!

The law here is wear a helmet. We may not like it. I don't. I am for pro choice as you all know. But the fact is it's the law and she is suppose to represent that. As a woman rider in the State of California I think she has strongly misrepresented me and I find it offensive.

Phooey on her stinkin' holiday card.

Just My Opinion
KT Did

IT WAS A GREAT WEEKEND WITH CC TRAVELIN'

If you go to You Tube to watch this, click on the watch in HD for a better pic.

It was a great weekend! I got a call from Christina Friday afternoon. She was at Cooks Corner and told me she was up and riding again. Yep... she decided to try and take the bike around the block a few times. So she and Larry decided to go. When she got out she looked at Larry and said I want to go farther. When Larry mentioned Cooks, she shrugged her shoulders and said yes. Like the Little Engine That Could, she knew she could do it and needed it after so long being sick. Going around the neighborhood just wasn't enough.

So when I got the call from her I was elated. The first time since she had her chemo. The first time in about six months. The first time she rode in her own saddle! It was a great day!

Her birthday is this week, so the girlzz and I decided to get together and celebrate on Sunday. It's a big one. She survived breast cancer surgery, chemo and the weaknesses that it all brought her. She deserves a life long celebration... birthday or not.

So, I called her up to take her to a Sunday brunch for her birthday. She said we would drive. So I drove on over to get her and when I got there she was fully dressed in biker chick clothes. I said, Huh? Thought we were driving"! She had this grin and said she tried to call, but left no message so I never got it. We continued to the restaurant and she was constantly looking out the window at the nice day shining down. So we ate. Talked. I looked at her and said "nice day". She said "yes, I said "wanna ride?!" No hesitation.... "Yes". We both laughed and smiled and hugged. Great! I took her home, she got the bike. We were out of the house in less than 15 minutes! She got on her gear in no time. I actually followed her to my house, via her route, and I got my bike and off we went to Cooks Corners. I was on a high for sure!

This is the moment I had been waiting for to. Not to take anything away from CC, but I dreamed of getting on my bike and having the first girly ride with her. I was pretty much smiling all the way. So when we arrived at Cooks Corner the girls were there waiting... impatiently waiting too. First thing Lynda said was "took you long enough @#$%"! They were just as excited to see her and celebrate her. No wasting time.

So we had cake, presents and a gleaming smile for CC... and we got all smiles back from her. Marci got on the table and pulled her up. Shouted out to the crowd "Hey Everyone! Its Christina's birthday!" "Sing Happy Birthday"! So everyone did. She actually did it a couple of times. Marci wasn't going to let anyone off...so every so often she made everyone sing again in case they missed the last song. Marci can make the weakest person step up to the plate...so we had a good couple of birthday songs for CC.

Again, I took pics and put them in a You Tube slide show. Its always easier to have bunches of pics that way. Yep, there are pics of spankings and table top happiness. So enjoy.

It was a great weekend!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHRISTINA!!

More CC Travelin' Happy Trailzzz To Come!
KT Did

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

I love decorating my bike (on the right). That's Lori in the middle of hers and mine.

Today was the Children's Hospital of Orange County Toy Ride. The one toy ride I love to make every year. Maybe sentimental on that cause it was the first ride I ever rode. This picture is of Lori McCammon (Quickthrottle girl). We met up for breakfast along with Roy, Carolyn and Wayne at the usual place...IHop. Lori and I actually thought we wouldn't ride this year because of the weather and rain in the forecast, but when Lori looked out the window and discovered it was a cloudy, but no rain morning she called me about 6:30 a.m. with the good news to ride. So we did. A cold one too!

After breakfast we met up at the OC Harley. Not too many bikes this year. Most of the girls worked today too. The weather kept a lot of riders away. It was just damn cold! However, when we got in the line up we were told there was an overload of toys and to keep the toys on the bikes and wait til we got to the hospital to put it in the bins there. That was a relief for us, we were worried about the number of toys being short. But not this year. Happy about that too. I am not too sure of how many riders were there, a guess would be 1000 or less. A lot different from last year which brought almost 2000 riders out.

Can you guess where my bike is?

Kickstands up at 9:45 and off into the canyon we rode. Chilly but fun. It was a perfect ride and when we got to the hospital we were directed to go around and park in the back. The hospital was being worked on and because of the cold weather the kids were not allowed out. That was a bummer not being able to see the kids, but their health is number one. We all were glad just to be a part of it. It made the morning short, but it was worth it.

Cold Chicks in front of CHOC

We left early and split off to go home. It left enough time to warm up and go back out shopping. Yikes... I know... I am a little late, but I succeeded. I am done and now on to tomorrow!

So on that....

Happy Holidays to all you and wish you all wonderful ride days ahead!

KT Did

FIRST SHOW

Well, I was having a good time until I listened to the show after going live.... ughghghghg!
What could be worse than to play a song that wasn't the correct one!!! OMG!

Well after discovering that the intro song was not the song I put in que.... AND after I had been done and over with the show.... and after I listened to the show.... I discovered the same song played twice. Once in the beginning (not planned) and once at the end (planned).

So I sent my apologies off to Luvplanet and hope to make it up to them next time.

Evidently the que input went silent on me and I was unable to hear the intro song even playing. To me that was a disaster, but I can't do anything about it but strongly apologize to Luvplanet.

In any case, however, you can't tell me that band ain't goin' places. They are one hot band and I thank them profusely for allowing me have their music on the 30 minutes I had.

Okay... with that being said, I had fun. I hope to have a more deeper and fun shows in the future and hope you all get a chance to tune in and rate the hell out me.

Thank You Mr. Fasthair, Ellopez & Webster for tuning in! I hope to get down and discuss our blogging world soon. That should be fun. I will try and change my dates to a weekend where we can all call in. I can take up to 4 callers at a time. We can go back and forth.

Thanks for all the support!

KT Did

BLOG TALK RADIO--KT DID RADIO

I'm going to try something new here. Blog Talk Radio. I thought it might be fun to talk and get it out on air, so I registered for a KT Did Radio show. Looks like there's a million stations, but who knows, might just be fun.

I am going to be live, which is very scary, tomorrow at 3:30p.m. Pacific time. If you want to call in please do at (347) 215-6872 . You will be taken to a switchboard where I can pick callers from. Just register and go to the following link:

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/ktdid

If you have some time tomorrow afternoon, give me a call at (347) 215-6872 and give your blog a shout out.

Happy Radio Trailzzzz
KT Did

NEWS, MEETINGS & VIDEOS

I thought I would start this post by spreading some great news here. Last weekend some of us girls got together and had a blow out. We all stayed in a local hotel and celebrated CC getting better. She is ready to get on her bike after being off it for six months during her surgeries and chemo. She figured if she could crash a party and dance til the band ended she could try and ride. So as soon as the weather gets better we are riding. There are a couple of toy rides and we are going to try and those. She's a trooper and I can't wait to see her in the saddle again!

After a great night out, and a late one, I woke up with a little headache and got it together to meet Gloria for the International Motorcycle Show in Long Beach. Once again it was a great show. This year seemed more crowded. The weather was perfect and a lot of riders filled the lot. I love the gear check-in at this show. A nice perk. I put the pictures in a slide show. Seems the best way to show the bikes.



Gloria bought a new Nolan helmet and we saw Joy and Ralph there. I bought a magnetic tank bag and, of course, it doesn't fit my tank. Thanks to Gloria, she took it off my hands. She loves her maps and the see through pouch on the tank bag is great for that. I know she should move up to the GPS, but she loves the maps.

During the week, I got an e-mail from Harley Davidson inviting me to the premiere of the Bikes, Camera Action contest that ran for a couple of months and ended in September. It was in Hollywood. Vickie Sampson was the winning film maker taking the grand prize of $5,000. Tamalyn and Karlene, both who work for Harley and do modeling for Harley Davidson went also. I finally got to meet Karen Davidson. She really took time to talk. It was a busy evening for her and I enjoyed my time talking with her. I was also thrilled to meet another fellow blogger, Camron from Adventures in Chrome. He knows Tamalyn from Harley Davidson business and when we were introduced as bloggers he made the connection. We laughed and enjoyed a fun evening. It was great meeting you Camron! We left the event with a bag of goodies, one of which was a video of the 3 top videos.




Here is the Grand Prize Video from You Tube:


If you go to the following link, you can see the video that a couple of the other girls were in from here in Orange County. You can't really see them, but the film gets the point across. It was directed by Melisa Kosar from Orange, California. She got the first place award.





Its been a busy past few weeks and now, as most, just getting through the new year. I love this time of year... even when its crazy busy. So, wishing you all safe riding and enjoy the holidays.

Happy Trailzz Til Next Time
KT Did

HAPPY THANKSGIVING.

This was sent to me by my friend Christina. I thought I would pass it on before I go into a turkey coma.

Happy Thanksgiving!

JUST MY OPINION-HELMETS

I don't know about your state, but, in my state there is a helmet law. It has to be DOT or SNELL . If I have to live with a helmet law then I buy the correct helmet. Right? At least that's what I do. It is the law...at least for now. ABATE has been working on that one for years and there are some loopholes, but for now I ride to the definitions of legal and, to me, safe. That is DOT.

Whatever your view is on this subject, the fact is, it is the law here in California. I, quite frankly, think that my helmet won't save me if I get hit hard enough. Just the impact will blow my body from the bike. Mangle my legs if I get hit from the side. Forget about my head at that point. I'm gone. But it has protected it when I dumped my bike. I bounced from the ground from my head. It worked. It would have left a hurty if I didn't have a helmet on.

I remember riding without a helmet here in California. Back in the 70's we rode to Cooks Corners with just our bandanna and on old school choppers. It was very outlaw back then. Tough. Helmets just weren't gonna happen. I rode bitchala of course back then and a couple of times on the ex's '57 Panhead when I passed the CHP course back in the 80's. I remember the wonderful wind in the face and hair feeling . The spending hours to comb out the hair wasn't so pleasant. I have ridden longer without a helmet than with one in my lifetime. I also remember when the law came into effect. Most who rode back then swore they wouldn't ride anymore. LOL... didn't last, did it. We conformed. Why? We love to ride.

So why does it bug me when I hear someone getting a ticket for wearing a novelty and whining about it? Why are they so surprised they got pulled over? Let's just attract more attention to the law when you don't need to. Some may say the same thing about loud pipes. I have to differ there though. Loud pipes do save lives. Up in Oakland, California the police department installed loud pipes as a result of being hit and killed. They recognized the advantage of being heard. Can't get me to change my mind on that one. That's another rant though.

Novelty helmets are smaller, more obvious. To me its the same mushroom cap look. DOT is just a little thicker. Neither one of them make you look great. If I have to wear one, make it legal. I don't want to ride all day looking around my shoulders for a ticket ready to be written in my name. Not only that, why spend half the money to buy a novelty when you can fork out half more and buy a legal helmet?!

Its the law whether we like it or not. I would love to have that feeling of wind in my hair, but, I just feel safer with one on these days. Riding is a LOT different than back in the 70's and 80's. More drivers and SUV's galore. Just a peck of asphalt or a being hit by a bug hurts like hell. Its a whole different driving game now. Maybe its just my age, I don't know. I'd rather be safe. So a helmet would be in my gear at all times, law or no law.

When in California... wear a stinkin' DOT helmet...at least til the law changes.

Just my opinion.

TFTH TOY DRIVE PICS

Here is a little slide show of some of the pics I have and have received from Karlene and Rod of the Toy Drive.

BIG DADDY'S IDLE THOUGHTS

Okay, so I am chiming in here to the challenge to bring other readers over to Big Daddy's Idle Thoughts for a really good read. He's been working on a blog novel for awhile now and when we get lucky he throws another chapter out at us on his blog. Like a bunch of dog's in heat, we take it. He's a big teaser, but we have no choice. Plain and simple, its a great read.


Here is an excerpt:


Both Henderson and Animal sized up the situation. Grabbing the table in unison they flipped it between them and the gunmen and both dove for the exit. Multiple shots rang out. Animal heard Henderson groan as he was hit in the leg. Henderson fell in the doorway blocking Animal's escape.Never one to leave a friend behind, Animal reached down to aid Henderson and looked behind him to see one of the gunmen taking careful aim.


I hope I got your attention and you go over there to read it. I, myself, can't wait to read the next chapter. Pant...pant...droolllll.


Happy Reading Big Daddy's

KT Did