The other night, Mrs, BAM and I took the Harley out for a well deserved "date night". We went down to a local Irish Pub just to kick back and relax. A habit of mine is taking in the surroundings and observing folks as they do whatever it is they do. Call it a bad habit or whatever you like, but, I do find a lot of humor in what I take in.
This particular Irish Pub consisted of a nice restaurant and bar area. Outside there were several motorcycles of all types along with a slew of cars. The evening temps probably were in the low 70's. Perfect night to be out on the Harley. As we are sitting there reviewing the menu, I couldn't help but notice a younger "ladd", suited up in his unmistakable biker gear. Now don't get me wrong. I am all for gearing up and safety. HOWEVER - this was not your normal biker bar where you should expect to see such an outfit.
Let me explain the details of his "gear". Gently used bandanna, T-Shirt (no specific mention of Harley Davidson), newer jeans, newer boots and bright shiny black fresh out of the box chaps! Not your normal chaps of thick leather.. OH NO.. These were something that you would see exotic dancers wear... YES - THAT TYPE OF SHINY.... Could he SCREAM any louder that "HEY I"M A BIKER!!!"
The sad part - when we left, there was only one other bike in the parking lot, a Suzuki crotch rocket....
Rubber Side Down!
BAM
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Monday, January 19, 2009
Decisions - Decisions - 1/18/2009
Well what can I say, it was another fantastic day here in sunny Arizona. So off we went for another ride to the local Harely dealership, . In my V-Rod post, I mentioned how this was going to be the next bike.
Maybe I spoke a little to soon. After some time between visits, we came to realize that having two silver bikes just didn't seem to float. New style and color seemed to make more sense. Plus several other factors like, long distance travel comfort, storage compartments, stereo, etc, etc, etc. While browsing the showroom floor we kept weighing pros and cons between the bikes. Finally we came across the "09" Street Glide! For approx the same price as the V-Rod, we knew that common sense prevailed by giving us what we wanted. So have I changed my mind? Give it another two weeks and another visit and you never know. But for now, all of the options and common sense factors for what we want next leans towards the Street Glide. Decisions.. UGHH
After riding back home on this particular Sunday it was of course game day! Our beloved Arizona Cardinals won and Mrs. BAM's beloved Pittsburgh Steelers won. Oh how the decisions kept mounting.. Who to root for for the Superbowl!
Well for now - Rubber Side Down!
And for the my northern followers of BAM Ridez - STAY WARM! Hopefully the groundhog won't see that stupid shadow!!!
BAM
Maybe I spoke a little to soon. After some time between visits, we came to realize that having two silver bikes just didn't seem to float. New style and color seemed to make more sense. Plus several other factors like, long distance travel comfort, storage compartments, stereo, etc, etc, etc. While browsing the showroom floor we kept weighing pros and cons between the bikes. Finally we came across the "09" Street Glide! For approx the same price as the V-Rod, we knew that common sense prevailed by giving us what we wanted. So have I changed my mind? Give it another two weeks and another visit and you never know. But for now, all of the options and common sense factors for what we want next leans towards the Street Glide. Decisions.. UGHH
After riding back home on this particular Sunday it was of course game day! Our beloved Arizona Cardinals won and Mrs. BAM's beloved Pittsburgh Steelers won. Oh how the decisions kept mounting.. Who to root for for the Superbowl!
Well for now - Rubber Side Down!
And for the my northern followers of BAM Ridez - STAY WARM! Hopefully the groundhog won't see that stupid shadow!!!
BAM
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Wickenburg Ride 1/10/2009
is what I like to phrase as the "Backdoor To All Points North". Heading north from Phoenix allows you to take a few routes in order to get to Prescott, Sedona, Flagstaff and the Grand Canyon just to name a few location.
You either go the interstate route, I-17 or take the road less traveled, Route 60 through Wickenburg. This town is pretty much the stopping point for most bikers that are either heading out or returning home to nearby Phoenix. The perfect town that houses some of the finest mom and pop restaurants and shops around.
I've referenced Wickenburg in other posts but today we made it our "official" ride of the day. A mere 40 minutes from our house in Peoria, AZ we like to take the scenic route around Lake Pleasant to get to Route 60W.
We got a later start than normal so that it could warm up a bit. Once on the road it was nothing but pure freedom to let the Harley take over and let loose on the throttle. Pipes banging and miles flying by.
One particular item of interest was the bug that hit my visor on this trip. I'm used to this occasional irritation as it is expected. However in this particular instance, as the splat occurred, I could not help but notice the wings of this insect continuing to flap with the wind at a constant. As I turned my head to point this out to Mrs. BAM, she later informed me that while she was laughing at this spectacle, it blew off my visor onto her's. Now when could you ever experience this type of humor in a cage?
Once we arrivded in Wickenburg, it was off to park the Harley and the need to feed was priority since we had nothing all morning long except our normal fuel of coffee.
Today's choice was the . We had ate there a while back for breakfast but this would be a first for lunch. Since it was a still a little brisk out I thought a bowl of nice hot soup would be in order! Wah Lah - they had beef noodle for their soup of the day. This was not your normal Campbell's beef soup. This was truly homemade with literally CHUNKS of beef!
You either go the interstate route, I-17 or take the road less traveled, Route 60 through Wickenburg. This town is pretty much the stopping point for most bikers that are either heading out or returning home to nearby Phoenix. The perfect town that houses some of the finest mom and pop restaurants and shops around.
I've referenced Wickenburg in other posts but today we made it our "official" ride of the day. A mere 40 minutes from our house in Peoria, AZ we like to take the scenic route around Lake Pleasant to get to Route 60W.
We got a later start than normal so that it could warm up a bit. Once on the road it was nothing but pure freedom to let the Harley take over and let loose on the throttle. Pipes banging and miles flying by.
One particular item of interest was the bug that hit my visor on this trip. I'm used to this occasional irritation as it is expected. However in this particular instance, as the splat occurred, I could not help but notice the wings of this insect continuing to flap with the wind at a constant. As I turned my head to point this out to Mrs. BAM, she later informed me that while she was laughing at this spectacle, it blew off my visor onto her's. Now when could you ever experience this type of humor in a cage?
Once we arrivded in Wickenburg, it was off to park the Harley and the need to feed was priority since we had nothing all morning long except our normal fuel of coffee.
Today's choice was the . We had ate there a while back for breakfast but this would be a first for lunch. Since it was a still a little brisk out I thought a bowl of nice hot soup would be in order! Wah Lah - they had beef noodle for their soup of the day. This was not your normal Campbell's beef soup. This was truly homemade with literally CHUNKS of beef!
Next it was time for the real deal meal. After much contemplation between the prime rib sandwhich and the beef sirloin burger, I picked the latter. The Mrs. went with the Reuben sandwhich. Huge servings on both dishes left little room for desert, but hey, why not. So we went with their Black Forest Cake and some coffee to keep us alert for the expected post fullness want to take a nap syndrome!
As you may notice in the background of this pic, the lovely flowered wallpaper. I know, what kind of bike joint is this.?. You can trust me in that this truly is a biker stopping point. So even though their dining area seems somewhat colorful, there are bikers eating here all the time.
Next it was off to . We have been looking for a true western store for a while now that caters to more of the "western" style instead of the dominate "south western" style with Indian decor. They pretty much cator to this style. The only thing really lacking was western type furniture which the Mrs. plans to do.
After walking off the huge lunch it was time to get back on the Harley and head home. Night comes quick out here in the desert and Mrs. BAM attempted to take some shots of not only the full moon on one side of us. But also the backdrop of the sun set on the other side of us. I swear, there is nothing quite like riding in the desert!!!
You'll notice some of the "abstract" pictures. Give new meaning to abstract art when your riding 60 mph and taking pics..
Total Revs = 4
Total Miles = 99 Round Trip
Rubber Side Down!
BAM
Thursday, January 8, 2009
"Just A Biker" - Source Unknown
A friend sent this to me via e-mail. I do not know the source but thought it would be something worth sharing.....
JUST A BIKER. I saw you hug your purse closer to you in the grocery store line. But you didn't see me put an extra $10.00 in the collection plate last Sunday.
I saw you pull your child closer when we passed each other on the sidewalk. But you didn't see me playing Santa at the local Mall.
I saw you change your mind about going into the restaurant when you saw my bike parked out front. But you didn't see me attending a meeting to raise more money for the hurricane relief.
I saw you roll up your window and shake your head when I rode by. But you didn't see me riding behind you when you flicked your cigarette butt out the car window.
I saw you frown at me when I smiled at your children. But you didn't see me, when I took time off from work to run toys to the homeless.
I saw you stare at my long hair. But you didn't see me and my friends cut ten inches off for Locks of Love.
I saw you roll your eyes at our Leather jackets and gloves. But you didn't see me and my brothers donate our old ones to those that had none.
I saw you look in fright at my tattoos. But you didn't see me cry as my children were born or have their name written over and in my heart.
I saw you change lanes while rushing off to go somewhere. But you didn't see me going home to be with my family.
I saw you, complain about how loud and noisy our bikes can be. But you didn't see me when you were changing the CD and drifted into my lane.
I saw you yelling at your kids in the car. But you didn't see me pat my child's hands knowing she was safe behind me.
I saw you reading the newspaper or map as you drove down the road. But you didn't see me squeeze my wife's leg when she told me to take the next turn.
I saw you race down the road in the rain. But you didn't see me get soaked to the skin so my son could have the car to go on his date.
I saw you run the yellow light just to save a few minutes of time. But you didn't see me trying to turn right.
I saw you cut me off because you needed to be in the lane I was in. But you didn't see me leave the road.
I saw you, waiting impatiently for my friends to pass. But you didn't see me. I wasn't there.
I saw you go home to your family. But you didn't see me. Because I died that day you cut me off.
I was just a biker. A person with friends and a family. But you didn't see me.
Repost this around in hopes that people will understand the biker community. If you don't repost this, it sucks to be you. I hope you never lose someone that rides.
EVEN IF YOU DON'T LIKE US, RESPECT OUR RIGHTS TO RIDE WHAT WE CHOOSE AND TAKE A FEW EXTRA SECONDS TO BE SURE WE ARE NOT IN 'YOUR' WAY.
JUST A BIKER. I saw you hug your purse closer to you in the grocery store line. But you didn't see me put an extra $10.00 in the collection plate last Sunday.
I saw you pull your child closer when we passed each other on the sidewalk. But you didn't see me playing Santa at the local Mall.
I saw you change your mind about going into the restaurant when you saw my bike parked out front. But you didn't see me attending a meeting to raise more money for the hurricane relief.
I saw you roll up your window and shake your head when I rode by. But you didn't see me riding behind you when you flicked your cigarette butt out the car window.
I saw you frown at me when I smiled at your children. But you didn't see me, when I took time off from work to run toys to the homeless.
I saw you stare at my long hair. But you didn't see me and my friends cut ten inches off for Locks of Love.
I saw you roll your eyes at our Leather jackets and gloves. But you didn't see me and my brothers donate our old ones to those that had none.
I saw you look in fright at my tattoos. But you didn't see me cry as my children were born or have their name written over and in my heart.
I saw you change lanes while rushing off to go somewhere. But you didn't see me going home to be with my family.
I saw you, complain about how loud and noisy our bikes can be. But you didn't see me when you were changing the CD and drifted into my lane.
I saw you yelling at your kids in the car. But you didn't see me pat my child's hands knowing she was safe behind me.
I saw you reading the newspaper or map as you drove down the road. But you didn't see me squeeze my wife's leg when she told me to take the next turn.
I saw you race down the road in the rain. But you didn't see me get soaked to the skin so my son could have the car to go on his date.
I saw you run the yellow light just to save a few minutes of time. But you didn't see me trying to turn right.
I saw you cut me off because you needed to be in the lane I was in. But you didn't see me leave the road.
I saw you, waiting impatiently for my friends to pass. But you didn't see me. I wasn't there.
I saw you go home to your family. But you didn't see me. Because I died that day you cut me off.
I was just a biker. A person with friends and a family. But you didn't see me.
Repost this around in hopes that people will understand the biker community. If you don't repost this, it sucks to be you. I hope you never lose someone that rides.
EVEN IF YOU DON'T LIKE US, RESPECT OUR RIGHTS TO RIDE WHAT WE CHOOSE AND TAKE A FEW EXTRA SECONDS TO BE SURE WE ARE NOT IN 'YOUR' WAY.
Monday, January 5, 2009
A Little Off The Subject
This particular post will be short and sweet.
Next to having the best wife and kids and having the best Harley Motorcycle (solely my opinion).. I love to watch my Ohio State Buckeyes!!!!!
If you have been caught up in all the Bowl mania these past few weeks, you cannot escape the hype and build up for each conference. I am a born and raised Ohioan. If you are from there, you know all to well how Buckeye Mania is ramped throughout the state! We love it and live it!
That said, you can only imagine how frustrating it is now to watch our beloved Buckeyes fall three seasons in a row in major Bowl game! I know, some of my readers cannot help but enjoy and laugh. By rights, you have every right! For whatever the reason, we cannot get over the hump of winning that final game.
All I can say is that I am glad I do not live in Ohio anymore because it will be literally a state of depression for the next two weeks. I have the luxury of getting on my Harley and letting it all blow by tomorrow morning.
Maybe next year Bucks!
Rubber Side Down!
BAM
Next to having the best wife and kids and having the best Harley Motorcycle (solely my opinion).. I love to watch my Ohio State Buckeyes!!!!!
If you have been caught up in all the Bowl mania these past few weeks, you cannot escape the hype and build up for each conference. I am a born and raised Ohioan. If you are from there, you know all to well how Buckeye Mania is ramped throughout the state! We love it and live it!
That said, you can only imagine how frustrating it is now to watch our beloved Buckeyes fall three seasons in a row in major Bowl game! I know, some of my readers cannot help but enjoy and laugh. By rights, you have every right! For whatever the reason, we cannot get over the hump of winning that final game.
All I can say is that I am glad I do not live in Ohio anymore because it will be literally a state of depression for the next two weeks. I have the luxury of getting on my Harley and letting it all blow by tomorrow morning.
Maybe next year Bucks!
Rubber Side Down!
BAM
Saturday, January 3, 2009
V-Rod Day 1/3/2009
Ahhhh - It was a beautiful morning today. Mrs. BAM and I took a ride to our none other than favorite coffee spot - STARBUCKS!
There really is nothing like waking up in the morning and getting on the Harley to take a ride. The crisp January morning Arizona desert air was a fantastic start to the day. No destination other than Starbucks was in mind. I ordered my usual Venti Mocha and Melissa enjoyed a Venti Gingerbread Latte.
While we were sitting outside I couldn't help but hear all the motorcycles riding by. I knew where they were headed. Just down the road is a Harley Davidson dealer called: . Melissa had mentioned after we got to Starbucks how she would like to check out some gloves because what she currently has did not fit the bill for the cooler weather. Nothing like having an excuse to go see my dream bike, the V-Rod!
We finished up our coffee's and off we went to the Harley dealership. Immediately I scanned the showroom floor and within 3 seconds locked in on V-Rods. After drooling all over myself, I couldn't help but notice a newer V-Rod with burgundy pin striping. The sales guy must have seen the drool and so he wheeled it off the floor outside so the chrome could take it's natural affect in the sun. I was sold. This was the next bike - NO QUESTIONS ASKED!
What amazed me more than all the beefiness and looks was how incredibly light the bike is. After riding my 2008 Harley Custom Super Glyde for the last year, I felt like I was lifting a feather in comparison. For those who have not gotten up close to this particular bike, let me give you an idea. The speedometer reads - 150. Yes - this is Harley's rendition of a sports bike! And in my book, they got it right!!!
Better heads prevailed in this trip and I did not ride out "today" on the V-Rod. However, my mind was made up that this will be the next bike. More than anything I appreciated the fact how the staff made this a total non-pressure situation. They enjoyed just talking about the bike and giving the breakdowns. Hat's off to Arrowhead!! Especially in an economy where most would do anything to get you to buy!
By the way, we forgot to check out the gloves for Melissa... Go figure....
Friday, January 2, 2009
New Year's Eve Celebration - 12/31/2008
BAM Ridez rocked out 2008 in a big way with our family and new found friends here in Arizona. What better way to bring in the New Year!
Melissa and I definitley had our share of adventures and ridez this year. Our biggest being the fact that we relocated from the great state of Texas to our new home in Peoria, AZ! We couldn't have asked for a better adventure than this!
Since our move here we have met some of the most terrific friends. I wanted to take a moment and share some pictures from our first New Year's Eve party in our new home!
We look forward to 2009 by making BAM Ridez your site of choice for motorcycle "blogs". More ridez and adventures will be posted for your reading pleasure this year. We also look forward to making our BAM family even bigger by having you subscribe to our blog.
May your 2009 be filled with safe ridez and fantastic weather!!
As always - Rubber Side Down
BAM
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