Do you ever feel like there is a dark cloud that follows only you? That was how my journey to Harley's 105 celebration started. I packed up on Tuesday morning loaded with everything I could fit on the bike and off I went. When I crossed into Wisconsin, Betty (my 2001 road king) started to get loud. I looked down only to see that my left muffler was hanging loose. I guess its time for a roadside repair. Well after a few choice words and some bungee cords, Betty and I were back on the road. About 30 miles later it's time for some gas. I fill her up admiring my handy work only to notice that a few of my primary inspection screws have disappeared along the way... Good thing I had some duct tape with me so another fix and I am back in business. Now I arrive at my campground to check in and no reservation? About thirty minutes later they found my three reservations and confirmed that they did receive my $450 for all of the 10 x 20 sites and all is well. I had to get three sites as we crammed about twenty Rescue Riders on our site. Time to set up the tent. Shouldn't a dome tent have more than one pole and stakes? It did every other time I used it. In hindsight I should have questioned where the kids got those makeshift swords they were playing with a few weeks back. Well I can tell you it isn't pretty but you can put up a dome tent with one pole but you better pray that it doesn't rain or get windy.
Finally, I sit down in my portable chair to admire my handy work and crash.... Guess those chairs aren't made to hold someone that weighs over 200 pounds. I need a beer. I ask one of the park workers where the vendors are and discover they don't open until tomorrow.... You gotta be kiddin me..... I ask if there is any place where I can get a beer and burger and discover there is a local place across the street. I need a change of scenery and head across the street. Damn, the place is packed with no place to sit. Wait a minute, a stool opens up at the bar... It's my lucky day. I ask for a menu only to discover the kitchen is closed. No problem, I spot a jar of pickled eggs on the bar so all is good. I ask if they take debit cards, nope. Any ATM? Nope. Damn my luck as I only have $40 in my pocket. Well, I decide to make the best of it and order two pickled eggs, two jagers and a draft beer. I ask the bartender what I owe her and she tells me five bucks. Five bucks for the shots? The eggs? The beer? Nope, five bucks for all of it...
I swear I could hear angels singing and a light shining down on me from above. That ray of hope totally turned around my trip and gave me hope. It was the turning point in my trip which ultimately turned out to be most excellent.
On Wednesday, we hosted an emergency response demonstration for area media and were joined by Rescue Riders from across the country. It was great to meet many of our volunteers who are passionate about helping fallen bikers. Our volunteers were lead by Vicki Sanfelipo, Founder and Director of Accident Scene Management. Vicki and our Rescue Riders demonstrated how first responders can safely assess a situation, secure an accident scene, provide emergency aid and improve the survivability of accident victims until professional emergency responders arrive.
The highlight of the trip was riding in the Harley's parade on Saturday. We had about 25 Rescue Riders riding together in the parade. Just imagine 7500 bikers riding ten miles thru Milwaukee being greeted by over a hundred thousand spectators with signs saying "Welcome Home" or "Milwaukee Loves Bikers".
We capped off the event Saturday by joining Gina Woods and her all girl bike building crew on stage at Hal's Harley Davidson. Gina and crew interviewed the Rescue Riders on the nationally syndicated Open Road Radio program. Thanks for the help in spreading the Rescue Rider story Gina. You, Dozer and Dave rock.
Finally, I sit down in my portable chair to admire my handy work and crash.... Guess those chairs aren't made to hold someone that weighs over 200 pounds. I need a beer. I ask one of the park workers where the vendors are and discover they don't open until tomorrow.... You gotta be kiddin me..... I ask if there is any place where I can get a beer and burger and discover there is a local place across the street. I need a change of scenery and head across the street. Damn, the place is packed with no place to sit. Wait a minute, a stool opens up at the bar... It's my lucky day. I ask for a menu only to discover the kitchen is closed. No problem, I spot a jar of pickled eggs on the bar so all is good. I ask if they take debit cards, nope. Any ATM? Nope. Damn my luck as I only have $40 in my pocket. Well, I decide to make the best of it and order two pickled eggs, two jagers and a draft beer. I ask the bartender what I owe her and she tells me five bucks. Five bucks for the shots? The eggs? The beer? Nope, five bucks for all of it...
I swear I could hear angels singing and a light shining down on me from above. That ray of hope totally turned around my trip and gave me hope. It was the turning point in my trip which ultimately turned out to be most excellent.
On Wednesday, we hosted an emergency response demonstration for area media and were joined by Rescue Riders from across the country. It was great to meet many of our volunteers who are passionate about helping fallen bikers. Our volunteers were lead by Vicki Sanfelipo, Founder and Director of Accident Scene Management. Vicki and our Rescue Riders demonstrated how first responders can safely assess a situation, secure an accident scene, provide emergency aid and improve the survivability of accident victims until professional emergency responders arrive.
The highlight of the trip was riding in the Harley's parade on Saturday. We had about 25 Rescue Riders riding together in the parade. Just imagine 7500 bikers riding ten miles thru Milwaukee being greeted by over a hundred thousand spectators with signs saying "Welcome Home" or "Milwaukee Loves Bikers".
We capped off the event Saturday by joining Gina Woods and her all girl bike building crew on stage at Hal's Harley Davidson. Gina and crew interviewed the Rescue Riders on the nationally syndicated Open Road Radio program. Thanks for the help in spreading the Rescue Rider story Gina. You, Dozer and Dave rock.
Now back to home. You know riding a bike these days seems like a full contact sport. Each year accidents and fatalities continue to rise. Unfortunately, most of us ride in rural areas where it can take emergency responders up to 30 minutes to reach a fallen biker. I can tell you first hand as a past victim and responder, bikers are typically the first to arrive at the scene of a motorcycle accident. What we do to help secure an accident scene and stabilize a victim can determine if that person lives or dies. The good news is that you can learn life saving skills by joining the Rescue Riders and taking advantage of our FREE training classes that are being hosted this fall at area locations in Illinois & Wisconsin. The Rescue Rider program was recently awarded grant support from the Allstate Foundation and the law firm of Hupy & Abraham to provide FREE training for 350 bikers in Illinois & Wisconsin. You can find out more at http://www.rescueriders.org/.
Well, that's all I have to say about that. Betty and I returned safely and yes, she does still have those bungee cords holding the muffler on and the duct tape over the primary screws but dang is she runnin great. I need to get me some ambition and fix her up. When I am not sharing my wisdom with you via my Thunder Roads editorials or running the Rescue Rider program, I run an insurance agency west of Chicago. I enjoy working with fellow bikers helping you protect what matters most. If I can help you please drop me a note at deanakey@allstate.com or give me a call at 877-232-9899. Until next month, enjoy the ride.....
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment