Random Thoughts

I might end up getting the Christmas Spirit. It’s about that time…

We put in an offer on a house, and it was accepted. I’m fairly fired up about it. It’s also gonna make this christmas kinda nuts, but I’m ready for it.

About 10 years ago, I made some terrible business decisions I’ve had to pay for, financially. Some were my fault, some weren’t. Whatever. I’ve had to pay up for them, and I guess thats how it should be. It got so bad, I filed for unemployment, something I’ve never wanted to do. It took some time, but I’ve paid all that money back.

I think the single biggest thing my father taught me was the lesson about character; You have to learn how to have it. At the end of the day, its the most valuable thing you have. You have to be a man of your word, you have to have something you stand for.

I laugh sometimes because I’m a tattoo’d, foul mouthed biker. I’m also the most honest guy I think I know. In the balance of things, I like that balance.

I don’t know what I’m saying here…. Maybe it’s just… that I’m relieved, my life is moving on and I’m ready for the future. I’m ready quite honestly, to kick some ass again. I’ve learned some lessons, and It’s time to do what I know is right.

So they accepted my offer on a house. I’m about back to square one, before things changed. I came out pretty good; some lessons learned but I’ve got a helluva family. I have a bike in the garage. I have a woman that I respect and love. My kids are all honest and hardworking too. I’ve got A grandkid who’s parents are passing down good things too.

And my dog is genuinely happy to see me when I come home. I’m a king, I tell ya.

Merry Fucking Christmas. If all goes well, we’ll close in 20 days, and have Chrismas in the new house.

Life is good.

I’m sitting here, not much to do here, but to enjoy a good Arizona Morning. Got me some coffee, the sun is coming up, and the day is on. Who know’s what the fuck its gonna bring.

I need to catch up on my blog. I’m just not going to, right now.

The Tour is over. It was killer. Great group, great riders and a whole helluva lotta fun. We had the hottest temperatures on record for Louisiana, but I think everyone had fun. At least I hope so.

I’m sitting here in Marfa Texas. Its a small, Texas town who’s claim to fame includes the movies Giant (James Dean’s last film) and No Country for Old Men (a favorite). Tomorrow, I’ll make around 600 miles and sleep in my own bed and then take the Van to Los Angeles, and fly home

The whole tour was awesome. One for the books. I’m not gonna lie; I miss my wife, my kids and my dog.

But I had to buy one today. I’ve given more helmets away the last few years then I’ve bought, and I had to choke down paying 160 bucks for a 3/4 face helmet today. I have to wear one on the last 2 tours, and I just picked off the freebie rack at Eaglerider and gave it back when I was done.

This time, I have a lot more bikes and I’ll need a headset to communicate with my van driver in case someone goes Rogue or we have a problem.

Yeah, I know… the safety thing. Plus your uncle, or your friend who died because he didn’t wear a helmet. I get it.

But, they’re like condoms —- and I hate those things too! Sure they’re safe, but whats the damn point if you lose a little enjoyment?

First off, they’re hot. 2nd, harley’s vibrate, and I have this thing on my head that intensifies the vibration. I just hate em. I have this novelty helmet I wear in California and Nevada, but I’m pretty sure I can’t pull that off for this trip.

This is the one I got: It’s black and as subtle as I could find, with just a hint of Danger.

The reason I started shaving my head years ago is because I was riding a lot in helmet states and my head would itch. I shaved my head to get rid of that itch. Having the wind blow across my bald little head at 80 miles per hour is like the 3rd or 4th finest feeling I’ve ever had.

I suppose I’ll save on sunscreen, dammit.

Anyway, don’t mind me. I’m just bitching about helmets.

Yeah, I’m ready. I’ve still got about 2 1/2 weeks to go, but I’m ready now.

Leading a group of 20 people is a lot different than riding by yourself. Riding alone is cake: Make sure your wallet has money in it, make sure it wont fall out, and get a good set of maps and you’ll figure it out en route. Some of my favorite rides the decision on which direction to explore happened at the intersection. Those are good times.

For the tour, you gotta be ready. I’ve never been a GPS guy, but I forked out for a good one and got everything ready. Took a CPR class, peed in a cup and had it tested, filled out the paperwork.

I feel like I’m all dressed up and ready to go. I live for this stuff. I almost can’t believe I’m getting *Paid* to do it.

I probably won’t have a lot of time on the road, so I’ll be blogging it when I get home. I’ve had a facebook page for the blog for a while, and I’ve never really used it but figured I can at least post pictures each night. https://www.facebook.com/EasyRiderRoute66/ is that page —

Yeah, I’m effing fired up.

EASY RIDER 50TH from LA Rider on Vimeo.

I think they’re gearing up for a helluva bash. They’ll be riding from the death scene in Krotz springs, into Morganza, and then down to Franklin I hear, who’s also been doing some good stuff for the 50th.

My friend Jim Leonard is bringing his huge collection of easy rider memorabilia, including an exact replica Captain America and Billy Bike, which are 100% Spot on. Peter Fonda told me that Jim’s Captain America bike was the most accurate replica he’d ever seen. Jims collection is pretty impressive.

They’ve got a Band coming, and the Sheriff and some of the girls from the Cafe Scene will be there. They’re doing this one right.

The gig is on Saturday, but I’ll be coming through with the Tour on Monday.

I think I love Morganza 🙂

I came across a bike movie yesterday that I’ve never seen; Roadside Prophets. I can’t believe I missed it back in the day. I rented it on YouTube last night to check it out.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hh3_x3mr_M8

It’s bad. Haha, really bad. But I ate the whole thing up. John Doe from one of my favorite old Punk Bands was in it, as well as Timothy Leary, Arlo Guthrie, David Carradine and John Cusack. From what I could tell, only David Carradine could actually act.

But I’m a sucker for a motorcycle movie. If I’m not riding, its nice to see people riding on an open road somewhere. The places they rode were my old stomping grounds; Amboy and Barstow California, Pioche, Ely and Jackpot Nevada. The roadrunner cafe was in it.

Check it out if you get a minute. A pretty decent road movie, and mildly entertaining. I was wincing in spots, and its the kind of movie I was convinced I only need to see once, but I’ll more than likely end up buying the damn thing to watch it again.

A day or so ago, I talked to this lady on the phone.

Man, she went on and on about Trump, America and how we’d screwed things up. We don’t have 2 weeks vacation just provided to us; we don’t have national health care, etc… she kind of rambled.

Then she went to pay for the product she wanted. Her country charges a 20% tax. It was something she didn’t want to pay. She wanted to use a US address, to bypass having to pay that tax.

Heh, socialism. I just thought it was interesting.