Lehigh Valley Bike Show

Well, you never know until you go is what we always say. Lehigh Valley Fall Bike Show in Allentown, PA was a two day show and one of the only ones we could find in December. The crowds were okay and Saturday started out fine. Sunday pretty much turned out bad as freezing rain set in up north and even south of the event. So, it may have been okay had it not been for the bad weather.

The promoters did a great job and the security was good as was the venue. There were a great many vendors there and we were the only helmet and riding gear vendor. The show just lacked the folks. They have a spring show and maybe we'll give that a try next year...the weather surely won't be a factor then.

Dayton Cycle Festival in Dayton, Ohio

December has been cold and a little slow in sales. We've had to load up and go to any show we can find to keep the electric on ;) Not really, but we are going to some small shows to supplement our winter sales income.

That said, we've done some really small shows this year when in past years we may have skipped them. The first one is the Dayton Cycle Fest. It's a first year show and we knew that going in. First year shows are generally slower than established shows. The day or so before we left we were told that Dayton was listed as one of the highest unemployed cities and that they have really been hit hard in the housing foreclosure market. Oh well, our fees were paid so off we went.

It was pretty cold up there but that generally is good and means crowds will be inside shopping. The promoter did a great job advertising and getting the word out. There were several big name builders there and a live radio remote. There were many, many, vendors on hand as well.

The show opened on Friday and ran through Sunday. I have to say, the crowds were out but sales were really slow. Like the Dallas IMS show, the crowds were there but they weren't spending. It made for a long weekend as folks just weren't buying.

The economy is probably affecting everyone, even us as we continue to seek out shows of any size to set up and sell. The good news is that while folks weren't buying, there were many, many, folks there to look around and dream. That means the interest in motorcycling is there and that the motorcycle industry still has a great base of customers who while not spending now will be in the future should the economy allow.

The motorcycle industry is exciting and a great industry to work in . As the economy gets a little better, I think it will be as strong as ever. We'll give Dayton another try but maybe not at the high rents from this year...it's got a good promoter so we'll see how it goes.

Dallas International Motorcycle Show

Well, the first of the International Motorcycle Shows is done and gone. The Dallas show kicked off the tour and while the crowds were good, sales were slow comparatively from past Texas shows.

It was good to see plenty of riders out and enjoying the show and displays. We noticed Honda, Harley Davidson, Yamaha, Suzuki and Kawasaki had really scaled back their displays this year and many of our vendor friends were no where to be found. We hadn't been to the Dallas show at this location but other vendors said that the show was half as big as it was last year. We think this is understandable as the economy has slowed.

Still, we had a safe trip down and back, moved some inventory, met some really great customers, and had a good time. I love going to the shows no matter, making alot of money makes it more fun, but still, the travel, the selling, and owning your own business makes it all worth while.

Next stop? Not sure, thinking Dayton, Ohio...we'll see...after that, we'll have the rest of the IMS shows all over the country.

Biketoberfest in Daytona Beach Florida

The end of the riding season is here for much of the north and northeast but many of these folks loaded up and headed down to Daytona Beach this year for Biketoberfest. They joined many of the locals here taking advantage of the Manuf. Demo rides, vendor sales, and entertainment provided by the Daytona Race Track.

The weather was somewhat of a roller coaster ride. Opening day was hot and humid and rain was expected for a day or two. Only a hard shower came in for about five minutes and that was the last of it for the weekend except for an overnight shower that brought in a fall like front for Sunday.

The bikers were out in force and we believe it was one of the busiest Biketoberfests for us. Bike parking was a sea of motorcyclists and a sight for sore eyes (at least for vendors). Everyone was in a good mood as they should be. What more could you ask for than great riding weather by the beach and good times with all kinds of other motorcyclists.

Vendor participation seemed low this year. It seems many of our vendor friends have give up the road or just got wore out from the first of the season. The Daytona display area was much smaller than spring which is expected but much smaller than the past fall Biketoberfests. Still, there were a great variety of vendors for riders to shop.

While here, we got the news that Harley Davidson has let go of the Buell and MV Augusto brands. Not that we ever saw many of these running around, still, it's sad to see them go.

Sales were good here as always. Daytona Race Track is a great place to set up and much more reasonable rents than many vendor areas. This is our last outdoor rally for awhile as we are headed inside to the International Motorcycle Show tour.

Hot Springs, Arkansas Motorcycle Rally

We're are on I40 headed through Memphis, TN on the way home from the Hot Springs, Arkansas motorcycle rally. After low crowds and sales on Thursday and Friday, we thought for sure it was going to be a bust. Saturday however turned things around and the crowds and sales made up for the two slower days.

The rally was well coordinated and was held in a great town. We've not been to Hot Springs before so it was nice to get to visit a new place. We stayed at J and J Campground right down from the Hot Springs KOA and we highly recommend it. The fellow there named JJ was very nice and can fix you right up if you ever need a place to stay in your RV.

The show was held at the convention center indoors which we like as it makes for an easy set up and tear down. What we generally don't like about indoor shows is they charge vendors for their spots and then charge high prices for the customers to come in to spend their money. The fee was $45 for this show but in fairness, it did include two concerts, a chili supper, scenic rides, all kinds of games, tshirts, and the vendor area. I would have paid it if I was just there as a rider.

I imagine there was all kinds of good riding though I didn't get to talk to customers who went. Thankfully, it rained on Saturday which drove customers inside which saved the show for us. Those first days were nice so everyone was probably out riding.

We're trying to make it home straight in . Not sure if it will happen but we're gonna give it our best shot. Monroe, TN, here we come.

Milwaukee HOG Motorcycle Rally

We were biting our fingernails by Friday afternoon as the crowds and sales were almost non-existent. You never know until you go is our slogan and we were figuring this is one of them that you don't ever come back. Luckily, Saturday the crowds and sales picked up and we have at least covered our expenses. We still have Sunday to go so we'll see how it goes.

There are thousands of motorcycles here as we seen and heard them go by on nearby highways. I think the problem is that the event is at 5 or 6 different locations. Problem in that you don't see everyone all at once, you just see folks trickle in as they visit different spots. There is no entertainment out here to speak of and very few vendors so there really isn't a draw here. They are advertising a National Closeout Sale here by Harley Davidson but customers are telling us that they aren't really closeout prices. That tells us not to set up here next year as the word will get out and we'll see even less folks than before.

The things to be thankful for have been the awesome fall like weather and plenty of sunshine. We couldn't have ordered it better. The people have been nice and spent alot of time asking us if we are from "South Milwaukee" lol, I reckon we talk funny to them being from Tennessee and all.

All is good here and we're headed to Hot Springs Monday or Tuesday, hopefully Tuesday if they let us stay here.

Milwaukee, WI District H.O.G. Motorcycle Rally

We got into town on Tuesday evening and set up our display at the State Fair Park. Having arrived a day early, that gave us Wednesday to go sightseeing as we haven't visited Milwaukee before. We went down to downtown which is seated right on Lake Michigan. Milwaukee is a very beautiful clean city. There is all kinds of noteworth architecture and having the Lake Michigan in the background is like living on the ocean as it sure looks like it. The water is a brilliant blue just like some of the oceans we've seen.

We took the time to go through the Milwaukee Museum of Art and highly recommend it to any of you who may be headed that way in the future. What an awesome museum. We spent hours there and could have spent more and would like to go back for several of the upcoming exhibits.

Motorcyclists have been trickling in. The promoter says there will be over 50,000 motorcyclists attending, we'll see. It was a slow first day open but Thursday generally are so we'll see how it goes.

Georgia State H.O.G. Rally in Helen, GA

We're a little late on getting the information posted on the Georgia H.O.G. rally but better late than never. Helen, GA, what a great, great, place for a motorcycle rally. After traveling along the Ocoee River through some beautiful twisty roads, you arrive in a quaint "Little Switzerland" town out on the Chattahoochee River and nestled in the cool breezes of the mountains.

We don't expect big crowds at these type rallies but the word must have been out about Helen, GA as there was a good bunch of riders cruising into town. GearUpHelmets.com got set up on Wednesday and opened for business on Thursday.

Full Throttle Magazine coordinated the vendors and did a good job. There were a variety of vendors there for folks to shop. H.O.G. members could get their tires changed, LED lights installed, and buy just about any kind of riding gear they wanted right there in the vendor village.

Wish we'd have brought our motorcycles as we heard that there were several great rides to take out of Helen. We will for sure take a trip back on personal time so as to enjoy some of these rides.

National Biker Roundup Motorcycle Show

Gearuphelmets.com is on the way home this morning from the annual Roundup Motorcycle Show. What a great show! We've never seen such diversity in motorcyclists coming together at one event. The event was held at the Atlanta Motorsports Speedway and was packed with riders from all over the country. We met folks who drove in, not trailered their bikes from CA, NY, TX, and IL. They rode in on all brands of cruisers, sportbikes, vintage bikes, tourbikes, and dual sports. We saw some of the best looking custom bikes we've ever saw.

The event started on Tuesday and ran through Saturday and was almost a 24 hour a day event. We generally don't stay open past dark but because of the heat, folks were coming out much later so we bought some lights and stayed up late with them. It was really something.

We got to meet Champion Drag Racer Ricky Gadsen at the show who was there to race and to meet with his fans and enjoy the show with his family. We even sold him a helmet for his beautiful little girl.

The RoundUp Committee was very nice, it was a very well organized event, and the people were the fun to be around. We met some of the nicest motorcyclists and their families who travel with them. This was our first RoundUp event but you can be sure we'll be looking forward to next years event.

Maggie Valley, North Carolina Motorcycle Mama Show

We just got back from Maggie Valley at the Motorcycle Mama women's ride in. There weren't that many participants but for the first time it really wasn't expected. For $45 you could go on two or three guided rides, enjoy a dinner buffet and banquet, watch a fashion show, and just meet up with other women who ride. It was low key but fun.

GearUpHelmets.com didn't set up for this event. As we are woman owned, we thought we'd go and just enjoy the rally as participants and as women riders. Me and Dee pulled our our VStrom and BMW respectively, and took off to North Carolina. It was a great ride up into the mountains and the weather was just perfect. We pulled into the Maggie Valley Resort and saw quite a few bikes and a good sized vendor area. For a minute, I wish we would have set up...only for a minute though. There was so much good riding in front of us that I was glad for once we weren't stuck selling while everyone else got to enjoy the event and the rides.

We visited Wheels Through Time Motorcycle Museum which was awesome. If any of you ever travel that a way, you must stop to see this place. If you've been riding for years or a part of the business for years, your heart strings will be tugged all day. There were old motorcycles, great old pictures of racers and riders, a women's section of art and pictures, authentic motor clothes from back in the day, and so much more...I saw an old cash register that my dad had in his motorcycle shop from back in the 60's....it was truly something to see and it brought back plenty of memories.

From there, we made a visit to Folk Moot in Waynesville, North Carolina. This is an International Event of sorts. People and places come from all over the world and share their cultures and customs with the folks in North Carolina. While we missed much of the entertainment, we got to see quite a few folks in their native clothes and saw a ton of shoppes and booths selling items with an international flavor. It was a really fun time and I'd recommend it to anyone who may be in the area during this time.

The event hosted a ride to Mt. Mitchell, North Carolina and to Hot Springs...we didn't get to make them but we heard they were really good rides to go on. Mt. Mitchell is supposed to be the highest point in North Carolina and I'm not sure what Hot Springs's lure was but I'm sure it was something special.

We left the event on Saturday afternoon and headed to Pigeon Forge, TN as we wanted to see Craft Days at Dollywood. We arrived too late Saturday night and it was raining when we got up Sunday so we'll have to catch it the next time.

Next show is the Biker RoundUp in Atlanta, Georgia at the Atlanta Motorspeedway this next weekend. We've never been but excited about going. We'll see how it goes and post the details when we get back.

GearUpHelmets.com at Carlisle Bikefest July 17-19

You would have to see it to believe all the motorcycles that showed up to the Carlisle Bikefest here in Carlisle, PA. The fairgrounds were packed full of parked bikes while riders enjoyed the motorcycle rodeo, the MX jumpers, Biker Billy, all the bands, and shopping at the over 100 motorcycle vendors set up at the show.

New that Harley Davidson had just laid off 1200 more folks closeby here at York, PA on top of the earlier in the year layoffs, had us worried about sales. And while we did run into a few of these folks, it didn't seem to effect buyers all that much. We were down some but considering we came off a big spike year last year, it's fully understandable.

Carlisle Bikefest is an all bike rally and has more entertainment at one venue than most of the shows we attend each year. It's family oriented, they give away new motorcycles and trailer, and the organization of the entire event is outstanding. If you ever have the chance you should go.

We had our www.gearuphelmets.com sign up but due to rain and storms forecast we had to take it down...we gave out plenty of business cards though and hope we'll see some folks dropping into our webstore after the fact. We sold quite a few Scorpion EXO 100's and VEGA Summit II's and NT200's...and surprisingly enough, we sold alot of the VEGA Merit Mesh Jackets. VEGA and Scorpion both offer products direct from the factory which cuts out about 40% markup from having a distributor. I think this helps the average rider to afford alot of riding gear they may not necessarily been able to afford.

It's Sunday and the last day of the show. We're gonna help all the folks we can and then pack up and head to Tennessee. We have the Maggie Valley Women's Sportbike show coming up as well as the Virginia BMW District rally this weekend. After that we are off to Atlanta Motorspeedway for the 2009 Biker Roundup.

Successful Americade

I'm not sure what non-motorcyclists are doing during a "down economy" but I can tell you that motorcyclists are out in force doing their part to support the economy. As proof, there were record numbers of motorcyclists out for the Americade rally in Lake George, NY. Not only were they out, they were spending money on their favorite past time, motorcycling. They sure made for a good show at gearuphelmets.com.

We had worried that the economy would make for a slow show but as it turns out we worried for nothing. People were shopping at will for all kinds of motorcycle stuff for them and their motorcycles.

While the Honda Hoot has been cancelled this year, there are plenty more shows to attend to include Gettysburg Bikeweek, Carlisle Bikeweek, Sturgis, and to many to list here. It looks to be another great riding season for the riders and for the vendors.

Summing up Myrtle Beach Black Bike Week

Here's some observations about Black Bike Week in Myrtle Beach...the first is that there were plenty of attendees. There seemed to be as many bikers there as in the past. The roads were just as packed aroung the Atlantic Beach area and waiting times were just as long to get through the area.

While there seemed to be a great turn out, it seemed to me that they focused all their spending in the Atlantic Beach area and intentionally stayed out of Myrtle Beach. I say this because I went to many restaraunts and saw empty parking lots. The stores lots didn't seemed packed either except up in the Atlantic Beach area. This was a marked difference than past years...generally, you had at least an hour wait anywhere in town to eat...we walked right in most every night, at least in the Myrtle Beach area. The Atlantic Beach area was another story...

If that was the case, I can't blame them for doing so. Why would you want to spend you disposable income in a place that basically says, "we don't want your money or your business". I hope that Atlantic Beach did very well. They deserve it. Again, by the looks of things, they had big crowds so expect they did.

We've never had problems at our booth or saw problems around us concerning the riders at black bike week. I've really tried to figure out what the deal is and most of what you hear is "they don't wear enough clothes" (for God sakes! it's a beach town), they say the noise is too loud, (enforce it with the police department) it's said they walk away from their bills at restaraunts, (I just don't believe it and if the place had a good procedure it shouldn't be a problem), and I've heard they tear up hotel rooms, (I can't imagine but it that's the case, charge an upfront deposit for the rooms).

I honestly believe it's a prejudice thing...that's all I can summize from it. It's hard to believe this day and age it's still an issue but it sure looks that way to me. It's a shame really...a real shame and a terrible reflection on the City of Myrtle Beach and their leaders. I hear from local chatter that the local government representatives should be worried for their jobs as it's an election year and this whole mess will be dealt with in the voting booths. I'll be interested to see the outcome of that...

I'm glad we went as a vendor this year...I'm glad to support the folks of Black Bike Week...We'll continue to do so if nothing else but for the principal of the thing...Good grief, it's 2009 already!

Memorial Day Weekend

This Black Bike Week in Myrtle Beach has definitely been our slowest Myrtle Beach show ever. I'm thankful we made the rent and have covered most of our expenses though. We still have today (Sunday) to go but it's not looking promising. Worst part is, even if we wanted to leave and head home, we can't get out because of the vendors located around us. They will have to move before we can leave. I'm hoping they pack up and head out...if not, we're literally stuck here till they decide to leave.

We don't have anywhere we have to be until Thursday but it'd be nice to be home a bit before hitting the road to Americade in Lake George New York. We'll see how it goes...

One thing about this week is that we have seen some awesome motorcycles. In particular, many nice custom sportbikes. We don't see them much as most of our rallies are cruiser rallies. It's a nice chnage to see something different in the motorcycle industry. These guys have their own culture and way of doing things. It makes you want to go out and buy a sportbike just to join in all their fun.

Myrtle Beach Black Bike Week Update

With all the headlines reading Myrtle Beach banns bikeweek and Myrtle Beach legislates away Bike Weeks, I've was really concerned about evening coming down here for this event. I skipped the first of the bike weeks which is Harley Davidson sponsored because they increased the vendor permits and shortened the time we could sell. I'm glad I did because everyone I've talked to here including waitresses, other vendors, and store owners, are all saying the same thing, it was the worst Bike Week ever.

I hated to hear that as that means the ignorant government of Myrtle Beach "wins" in one respect. They may have one by affecting the turnout but they sure have lost big on the money spent in their town. I ran into a lawyer at dinner one night and they are drafting a suit against the city on behalf of the restaraunt and hospitality association here. Turns out that over $350 million dollars in lost revenue was reported just within the city limits of Myrtle Beach...it'll be interesting to see how it all plays out. I think much damage is done though.

Black Bike Week is off to a slow start at the venue but boy the bikes are out in force on the "strip". It was good to see the traffic full and heavy with bikers. Our sales have been down but today and tomorrow may be our busier days...we'll see. We didn't realize it but the promoter here is charging a $10 gate fee just to come in and shop which really isn't right. The promoter got good money from the vendors to set up and now is trying to double dip with the attendees. He has hurt us and himself as we won't come back unless our show does well and generally this doesn't work.

Two days to go here and then it's on to Lake George, New York for Americade!

Rain, rain, go away...

I'm thankful for the rain but boy we've sure had our share. I'm don't mind riding in the rain but it's sure alot more fun to ride on a sunny day. It looks like it might dry up for a bit next week but that's just in time for me to be gone to Myrtle Beach for East Coast Custom's Bikeweek. Right after that, it's time for Americade in Lake George, NY. Guess it'll be mid June before I get a good ride under my belt.

Speaking of Americade Motorcycle Rally, it's one of the biggest rallies on our rally schedule. If you really like a motorcycle touring rally, this is it. Miles and miles of scenic Upstate NY motorcycling riding. All the factory motorcycle brands are there with demo rides, there are 10 to 20 different guided rides all over surrounding Lake George area, and one of the biggest vendor venues you've ever seen. If you don't get around to many rallies, this truly is one to put on your got to do list.

Our cross country motorcycle trip from California to Tennessee

A page from my motorcycle diary November 2007: The last day of our ride from California to Tennessee

The last couple days of our ride home were typical days for us. We hadn't had the first hiccup and honestly, it felt kind of weird. I'm just so used to having to work some or fix something or endure something to get to the fun stuff. We left San Francisco on Tuesday morning though not real early. We wanted to take our time this whole trip and that's what we did. The ride down Interstate 5 was beautiful and the weather was chilly but not too cold. We made it to Barstow almost out of California the first night and felt accomplished and felt sure we were gonna be able to make this ride in about 3 days…boy, we had another thing coming. On the map, it sure don't look too far…in the saddle driving down the road on a motorcycle , it looks like forever!!

We made good time all things considered. We're not morning people so we'd get up when we were ready and stop when it got around 8 or so. Yall probably don't realize it but Aunt Dee rode this whole trip on her BMW F650 and I was on my Suzuki VStrom 1000. That 350cc difference makes a BIG difference. I traded my 650 to the 1000 just because of that fact. When you are traveling interstate speed motorcycles without big cc's tend to buzz, buzz, buzz, you to death. That means that whoever is sitting on "buzz" probably get's numb hands, legs, feet, and butt which is no fun. Aunt Dee got all of the above. She lost an antenna and would have lost a mirror if she hadn't caught it the split second it blew off while she was blowing down the interstate. Even so, she never complained and rode through it all. I honestly don't know if I could have done it, at least at my age ;) My old bones and muscles ain't what they used to be.

I can tell I'm getting old as I'm trying to remember what nights we stayed where but I can't recall exactly. I know we stayed in Santa Rosa, New Mexico one night and somewhere in AZ one night, and oh yeah, Gallup, NM one night…how could I forget New Mexico. That's where we had bad battery trouble and Aunt Dee mechanic extrordinaire tore her bike down right in the hotel parking lot and got it fixed right up. Let's start here as that's where the fun started.

When we left Gallop, NM that afternoon, it was cold…about 35 degrees to be exact. Aunt Dee got her bike back together and we were raring to go. To ride a motorcycle in this you have to really be bundled up. Bundled up meaning, you have own as many layers as you can possibly get and still be able to button up the last layer of whatever pants and whatever coat you have on. You know you are truly bundled up when you have to walk like Frankenstein and it takes great effort to hoist your leg over your motorcycle saddle. I had on 6 layers of pants and jackets though Aunt Dee, the hot blooded woman she is only had on 4. For whatever reason, Aunt Dee's electrics weren't working properly and only her jacket would heat up, her socks and gloves were caput. I think it was that we upped the fuse to a 25 amp or because we had let her battery go down and it never fully recovered. Either way, her feet and hands were cold. If the sun was out it was bearable for Aunt Dee but when the sun went down, boy it was terribly cold and unbearable. Who knew the sun provided so much heat! So when the sun set, we were coming off the road to ensure Aunt Dee didn't get frostbite. A couple of times she got worried that when she took her boots off that her toes would be black with frostbite. Yall know when Aunt Dee says she's cold, that means she is freezing to death cause that girl don't ever get cold… We did a couple of days like this and did no more than 300 miles a day. It seemed it may take us a lot longer to get home than we anticipated but the company was good and we had no schedule to adhere to.

Friday, we were making great time and really had our hearts set on making it to Memphis, Little Rock for sure but our hearts set on Memphis. A winter storm was sweeping across the US from west to east and we were eager not to be caught in it. We were making really good progress and stopped just outside Fort Smith to eat dinner. We saw signs for an authentic Mexican place and decided on it. Yall, just to stop at a store or to get gas was a major undertaking for me. I had on so many layers of pants that my crotch was down between my knees and to lift my leg up high enough to get over my seat was a daunting task. It took me three or four "runs" at it before I could even get my leg on my seat. Aunt Dee laughed her head off at me because literally, in order to get my leg over the seat, I had to "grab" my crotch and pull it up as far as I could and use both my hands to put my leg on the seat. It was funny but necessary. By the time I got on the bike, I was sweating from all the energy it took. I love riding but riding in the cold sure makes it a little like work.

Anyway, we stopped at the Mexican place to eat and we had to take off tons of clothes and laid them on our bikes while we went in to eat. I wish yall could have seen my hair. I was wearing one of those polar masks that go over your head and everytime I took it off my hair was in a new crazy do. Once I looked like Don King, once like Donald Trump complete with comb over, and once I swear I favored Lyle Lovett…I was embarrassed to go in anywhere but kept telling myself that no one knew me except Aunt Dee and honestly, I hated looking like this in front of Aunt Dee. . Between me pulling at my crotch, my crazy hair do's, and my overstuffed bear looking self, I looked a sight.

We enjoyed an authentic Mexican dinner though mine wasn't all that good. It was warm, which was the most important thing. We finished eating and headed out to gear up and head back down the road. When we got outside, it had gotten dark with night and we discovered it was raining, a light rain but raining. Our clothes had gotten a little wet as we left them out but not so bad that we couldn't wear them. We hurried them on and got going down the road. I'd like to note here that if you are on a motorcycle ride, bundled up to the max, and want to travel some more miles down the road, DO NOT EAT AN AUTHENTIC FRIED MEXICAN POBLANO PEPPER. I know this because about 20 miles down the road my stomach made one of those gurgling drainage type sounds. You know the one, it kind of starts up high like your body just released some kind of powerful gas around your chest and it kind of startles you as it makes such a noise and feels strange. If you think it makes such a big noise just normally, you should put in a pair of ear plugs and listen to it! It sounds like gut growl hooked up to an amplifier. When I had my first growl, I thought, well, something didn't agree. Several growls and gurgles later, they were making a trail south and in my mind I knew they were marching directly and with speed toward the exit! It was then I knew I needed to communicate to Aunt Dee (and quickly) to find the first exit as a bathroom visit was needed pronto!

We enjoyed our cycle CB's so we could talk but they do not work at full speed, at least Aunt Dee's doesn't. She can't hear me but I can hear her so I couldn't tell her what was going on. I saw an exit city coming up and began to flash her with my brights and turned on my turn signals but she never saw me so after two exits of her not seeing me, I took off in front of her hoping that I could make the last exit in time…I knew she would follow me on in. As it turns out, the last exit was some kind of Indian reservation turn pike that charged money to travel it. I would have gladly paid any amount at that point to get to the bathroom but I looked around and there were no lights and no stores so that was out. I would have to make it to the next city exits.

I stayed on in front of Aunt Dee and I was on the gas and hauling butt down the road. Aunt Dee said later that she looked down at her speedometer and she was going almost 100 mph to keep up with me. I don't know how fast I was going as I couldn't think about anything but finding a bathroom and finding it fast. It turns out that last exit that we missed, was the last exit for miles. I saw a sign that said "Choctawa 23 miles" and set my mind and my body on reaching it. It was the longest ride I think I've ever made in my life and honestly, I didn't think I was going to make it. Aunt Dee still didn't know what was wrong with me but was hanging in there behind me. My lower intestines continued to growl and grumble and I was cramping like crazy and that familiar cold sweat began to break out all over me…

As I rode, I looked at the road side and considered just pulling off there but I just couldn't. It was dark, completely dark and scary looking and besides, squatting would not be an option because I couldn't get my pants down far enough to even squat! All pulled down, my pants would be around my knees and a squat wouldn't be physically possible for me and even if I could how would I wipe even if I had toilet paper …I was so bundled up I couldn't scratch my butt much less wipe it, at least that was what I was reasoning. And I wasn't going to take all my stuff off out in the middle of nowhere not that I'd even have time to get them off the way my body was feeling. No, I would have to live with "an accident" before I could pull off and do that.
How humiliating. I was thinking of how mortifying that would be to have "an accident". What would Aunt Dee think? How many layers of my clothes would be ruined? I'd have to throw them away because I sure wasn't going to wash them and pretty sure Aunt Dee would feel the same way. If I did have an accident, how was it going to feel? How would I get off my bike without it going everywhere? Would I be electrocuted as the wetness hit my electric pants? (I quickly turned them off just in case) I would have to tell Aunt Dee to stand back and not come near me cause I'd probably stink to high heaven. At that thought, I clinched tighter to my seat. I made up my mind right then and there that I wasn't going to have an accident. I had to gain control. I pressed my tail tighter to the seat and dared it to let loose!

Meanwhile, I'm frantically counting down the miles to Choctawa, 20, 18, 17, 16, and then a sign that said 14 miles. I did a gut check: "gut, can you make it 14 miles?" to which it growled, "are you kidding me? I'm about to explode here! Do something!!". So, I do what I always do when I am in trouble. I do the last thing I always do after exhausting all my human resources, I prayed. "Dear God, I hate to come to you with this but I'm fixing to krap all over myself while going 100 miles an hour on my motorcycle down an interstate" "I know there are greater problems in the world like world hunger and people much worse off than me like the poor, but God I don't think this will take much time and I know you can help me with my plight" I prayed and prayed. I'm sure He heard me but still, the gut march was on and moving ever closer to it's destination. I then had a thought , maybe if I could get a little "poot" out it would provide some relief, maybe it's just gas. So, I unclenched just a bit and strained just a little to see what I could muster up but I quickly realized it wasn't just air that was wanting out and I immediately put my body back in lock down. I was cramping something terrible and knew that I wasn't going to be able to hold it much longer. I was in tears thinking of what was about to happen. Here I was out in the middle of nowhere on Interstate 40, it was dark and cold and desolate, and I was about to mess all over myself on my motorcycle... This wasn't the grand ride across the US that I had envisioned! Through my tears I muttered, "why me, Lord?" and at that moment I rounded a curve and out in the middle of nowhere and I really mean nowhere was a billboard all lighted up with huge stadium lights with a picture of Jesus with His arms stretched wide open that read, "FEAR NOT, FOR I AM WITH YOU" I couldn't believe it. I had just asked God to help me and here God was talking to me and telling me, it was going to be alright! He knew I was fearing the worst and He was giving me a sign (literally) that everything was going to be alright. I was overjoyed and relieved. I did a gut check and did feel somewhat better…the march was still on but it seemed somewhat more manageable. I knew then I was going to make it….

The first exit with a gas station came up and I took it in a flash. As we pulled in though, we realized it was closed. Aunt Dee pulled up and said, "what the heck is going on"? I told her in as few a words as possible and she sensed my urgency and we jumped right back on the interstate. I drove like a maniac but finally came up to the Choctawa exit. We pulled straight in to a gas station that had a hotel right beside it. Aunt Dee wanted us to get a room so I could have some privacy but honestly, I didn't think I was going to make it through check in so I ran like the wind into the store bathroom. I was hoping for a clean one seater but got a clean 5 seater. I have a terrible case of bathroom performance anxiety and can't even pee with someone in the bathroom with me but at this point, whoever was in there was in for one of the most noisey, probably stinky bathroom experiences of their lives.

I ran into the first stall and realized with thankfulness that I was alone. I locked the stall door and turned around to get my pants down. I had a pair of rain pants on the outer most layer of my clothes so I went to pulling them down and as I bent down to get them around my ankles my body said, "YES" but I had to tell it "NO, not yet!" See, my body was used to me going to the bathroom, turning around, and pulling my pants down and then letting loose. My body didn't realize I had layers of pants on and it had to wait till I got them all down. Next I pulled my overpants down and as I bent down my body yelled, "Yes" and I yelled "NO", my jeans went down next and my body yelled "Yes" to which I said, "NO", next came my insulated underwear pants to which my body yelled, "YES" and I yelled "NO", then came my under armor pants and again my body screamed, "YES" and I yelled "NO. Finally I got to my underwear and my body yelled "YES!" and I said , "YES, YES, YES!!!!" Lord knows that I thought I'd never get all those pants down in time but somehow I managed….

As I was sitting there enjoying great relief and release, I thought about how I had made it, I thought about what I had been through to get there, I thought about how God had literally sent me a sign that had said, "Fear not, for I am with you" and sure enough He was with me. Then I got to thinking, I wonder if He's with me now? Oh my goodness, I hope not. I hope He decided to wait outside. Surely He wouldn't want to be with me here in all this mess. As I was thinking about all this, I reached for the toilet paper and on that note realized there was no toilet paper. I changed my mind about wishing God was with me right then cause I could ask Him to get me some if He was here. As it was, I was alone.

I thought about Aunt Dee. I would hate her to come in to all of the mess and all but I needed some toilet paper so I got out my cell phone and called her. She didn't answer, she had decided to go ahead and check us in the hotel by the store…I figured it was a good thing because I really didn't want her in there anyway…So, I did what many of us have done from time to time in our lives (yall have right?), I shook off as much as I could, I listened to see if anyone was in the bathroom or if there may be people coming in, and then made my move to the next stall. With six layers of pants in tow, I quickly waddled over to the next stall in hopes of finding some there and getting back to my stall. "Please, God, let there be toilet paper in here" but there wasn't, so I waddled stall to stall till I found some. Lucky for me, no one walked in but if they had it sure would have been quite the sight. Here I was with layers of clothes laying around my ankles, naked from the waist down, layers of coats on my top, and a hair do like Don King waddling around with toilet paper in my hand. I can't even imagine what would have happened should someone have walked in...so thankful that I am not writing about how it did happen.

Well, I went back and made sure that I was done and geared back up. It takes 15 minutes just to put your pants on when dressed like this…I didn't care though, I was so thankful to feel better and so relieved the situation turned out okay that nothing could bother me….

Aunt Dee had us a room ready and we went in for the night. I was feeling alot better but wore out and we both feel quickly to sleep. We didn't sleep long and got up early and hit the road. It was a good thing because we were able to get home at a reasonable time. We were so glad to be home…we had the best motorcycle trip but there is no place like home.

Placing orders for Myrtle Beach "Black Bike Week"

One of the most fun rallies to attend during the season is what is referred to as Black Bike Week or maybe more politically correct called, "East Coast Customs Motorcycle Show". It's a motorcycle rally that's been going on for years and years in Myrtle Beach South Carolina. We were introduced to it a couple years ago as vendors and have been going back as vendors ever since.

This years rally date is May 21st thru the 24th and happens to be Memorial Day Weekend. There are hundreds of thousands of riders and a majority of them come on their sportbikes from all over the US. I think this rally is unique in most of the bikes that show up are custom sportbikes. Talk about seeing some really cool motorcycles, that's an understatement. These guys and girls have chopped, lighted up, chromed, stretched, and fattened up their bikes like none you've ever seen. I'll be sure to post pics next week when we go.

We generally are at Myrtle Beach Bike Week, the week before Black Bike Week. It's more of a cruiser rally. As the city has done everything but threatened to sue folks who show up on bikes, we've decided not to go and to see how it goes this year for other vendors and re-look at it next year. I can't believe the city doesn't want the show...I know there are over 100,000 bikers there from all over the US there every year. This would have made our 6th year attending as vendors. We'll miss it and it feels strange not already being there and set up.

We placed our order today for Black Bike Week and are excited. We've got mohawks, helmets, jackets, boots, and all kinds of riding gear and neat sportbike stuff. I've included pics of our rally set up so you can kind of get an idea of what we do. We leave next Tuesday and will blog later on how it goes and posts pics.

Gear Up Helmets open for business in Tennessee

I've been in the motorcycle business for over 35 years, over 40 if you count the 10 or so years I spent growing up in my dad's Honda shop. I officially became employed at Appleton's Cycles at the ripe old age of 11. Yes sir, I was raking in fifty cents an hour and thinking I was all that and a bag of chips. Honestly, I would have worked for free back then as I loved going to the shop so much. There is just something about the atmosphere of a motorcycle shop. The smell of new tires mixed with the oily smell of the service department still sends me to thoughts of being home.

I've seen many changes in the motorcycle industry in my time. I've seen the dirt and wood plank showroom floors turn to black and white checkerboard tile turn to travertine tile showroom show places. I've seen parts department pegboard turn to slatwall turn to diamond plated grid. I've seen customers who went from wearing jeans to leathers to full armored kevlar. While I've seen the cosmetics of the motorcycle industry change through the years, one thing has remained constant, the motorcyclists passion and desire to ride motorcycles.

I'm still in the business today and consider myself very lucky. I work in an industry where customers are generally happy and excited, are usually enjoying or thinking about enjoying free time when they see you, and eager to part with their money to go on that ride they have been dreaming about all week. Whether it's a trail ride on a dirtbike, a ride to the mountains on a streetbike, or an ATV ride with the family, motorcycling offers something for everyone.

That said, I'm beginning this blog to share some of my personal motorcyling history, talk about the motorcycle shows I attend each year (on average over 18 a year), and to share some of the experiences I have on my own motorcycle and around motorcycling in general. It'll be like taking out on my bike not sure where I'm going but knowing I'm gonna see and experience things that I'll be able to share with others down the road...