THIS BLOG IS DEDICATED TO ALL BIKERS HERE IN THE U.S. AND WORLDWIDE. TO ALL THE VETERANS; THOSE LIVING AND TO THOSE WHO GAVE THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE; TO THOSE CURRENTLY SERVING AND TO THOSE IN THE FUTURE, WHO WILL SERVE LONG AFTER WE HAVE GONE, TO PRESERVE THE FREEDOM THAT THOSE IN THE PAST, WE IN THE PRESENT AND THOSE IN THE FUTURE HAVE ENJOYED, ARE ENJOYING AND WILL ENJOY, AS WE RIDE FREE AND ENJOY LIFE ON OUR CHOSEN MODE OF TRANSPORTATION: MOTORCYCLES

JOHN
NORTH TEXAS BIKERS


REMEMBER: IF YOU WANT TO SEE THE PICTURE BIGGER, JUST CLICK ON THE PICTURE!!

Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Russ & John's Day Out 12-30-08

I get asked by my folks and friends up North, the same two questions: When are you moving back to Michigan and why do you stay in Texas? I can answer the first question by answering the second question. Right now, it's 23 degrees in Michigan and when I talked to my brother Bob the other day, they had a foot of snow on the ground and it was raining. He was cooped up in the house missing riding his bike. Yesterday, Tuesday, December 30, it was close to 70 degrees here in Texas, and Russ & I rode the bikes up to the Proteam Harley Davidson Dealership in Lawton Oklahoma and then to Medicine Park in the Wichita Mountains for lunch at The Old Plantation, before heading back down here to Texas. That's one of the reasons I live in Texas. You can ride the bikes year round here. I have been out on the bike this morning and it's 48 degrees and clear..Plus, Michigan is a great road trip from here...So, scroll down and check Russ & my day out yesterday and REMEMBER: IF YOU WANT TO SEE THE PICTURE BIGGER, JUST CLICK ON THE PICTURE..







Russ's Harley (the Black Knight) and my Vulcan (Ms. Clone) at the post office prior to heading to Oklahoma. Ms. Clone is in her final months as my bike. She is being replaced by a Heritage Softail. (See post below) . She has been faithful, maintenance free and fun for the last year and 17, 600 miles, and will be missed






Russ, as we head North on I-44







Russ, doing the hook'em horns thing, on I-44. It's sometimes hard to get the bikes centered at 70 mph and I usually have to take two or three to get it right.








So, naturally the only centered picture I get is when Russ is giving me the 'numba one G.I' sign.


We get up into Oklahoma and head North on US 281/277, to avoid the toll road. See, not a cloud in sight. I'd be on a snowmobile now if I was in Michigan or another Northern State. Not to be misunderstood, there is nothing wrong with the North and I love it up there, but down here is a lot better for bike riding, in my humble opinion of course.






This picture was an accident as I did not mean to take it. But since pics of speedometers irritate Russ, I decided to post it...










Russ rolling North on US 281/277 towards Lawton Oklahoma, home of the largest Artillery base, Ft. Sill..I called fire many a time there on Apache Ridge. (I was a FIST Sgt)











If ya click on this picture, you can just start to see the Wichita Mountains in front of Russ on the West side of the road.












Just outside of Geronimo Oklahoma, on US281/277, in the middle of nowhere, sits this Topless Bar. I told Russ to stop so I could get a pic of his Harley out front under the sign. (Ya'll can relax. It was CLOSED)













Ms. Clone sat a respectful distance away from the sign. But next summer, my Harley will be in front of the sign.














Here is Russ on his bike just South of Geronimo Oklahoma.















We got to our primary destination, Proteam Harley Davidson, in Lawton Oklahoma. Proteam sits just off of I-44 at 301 SE Interstate Dr. The phone number is 580-353-5088. They, like Red River Harley Davidson in Wichita Falls Texas, are a MSRP Dealership. For more info, see this link: http://www.proteamhd.com/









This is Craig & Russ inside the Dealership. Craig is one the salesmen and, believe me, he knows his stuff about the bikes. He was more than happy to explain the differences to me between the Road Kings, Street Glides, Heritage Softail's and Ultra's. I left there very impressed. The Proteam Dealership has plenty of new Harley's, all models, available as well as a vast array of good used bikes that were priced right.










Russ took a pic of me by the Road Kings that we were talking to Craig about.










Here is Craig resting on one of the Custom's. If you are in the area, I would suggest stopping in and checking out Proteam Harley Davidson. Look up Craig and he will help get you on a Harley as well as answer any question you might have. They also have a large accessory section and this is the first time I have been in there that I did not go browse. I stayed in the showroom and talked to Craig the entire time. Like I said, Craig was extremely knowledgeable and held my attention the whole time.









Some of the previously owned Ultra Classics, out front, for sale..















Used bikes out front.









Bikes under the Harley Logo, for sale at Proteam Harley-Davidson Dealership







The person you see walking, had just traded in two Quad Runners and, I think, a Honda 1300 VTX for a new Harley.











We left Proteam and went into Medicine Park to eat. I stopped just short of The Old Plantation Restaurant, to take a picture of this Bronze mountain lion by the Falls









We go to The Old Plantation a lot when we are on Chapter Rides, impromptu rides and Fun Runs. Chaps My Ass, a well known motorcycle apparel & accessory shop, is just down around the corner from the Restaurant. This is Carol & me. Carol has waited on us in large groups and small groups before. She is a great waitress. See: http://www.chapsmyass.com/ and this link for info on these great businesses: http://travel.yahoo.com/p-travelguide-18508313R-old_plantation-i You can also check out Medicine Park here: http://www.medicinepark.com/blog.php










The Old Plantation Restaurant, Medicine Park Oklahoma. Russ coming down the stairs to the bikes. They have a 'Motorcycle Parking Only" area, so ya know they will treat you right. Like I said, it is a place Bikers from all over travel to. I highly recommend it and I didn't get to be my size by eating at crappy restaurants. You'll love this one...









Russ checks out another Harley parked on the parking lot












We start back to Texas and here is Russ, Southbound on Oklahoma Hwy 5









Just prior turning into the sun, Russ points to theses birds in the field. There were hundreds in the air and many more already on the ground..



We took a curve to the West and it was blinding, even with sunglasses on.

The sun gets back in place as we swing back South









I had to do the shadow thing as we got back Southbound on Oklahoma Hwy 5










Ms. Clone's shadow in Oklahoma










We passed the camera and Russ took this picture of me on I-44, back in Texas








Russ got this one of me as the sun was going down


The sun sets in Texas, West of I-44, just North of Wichita Falls.






Last pic of the day is the sun going down. I had a great time riding with Russ today, meeting Craig and seeing Carol again. Tomorrow is January 1, 2009 and this is our weather here. That answers quetion one.



Scroll down for more rides, events & posts and don't forget to click on the "older posts" link at the bottom of EACH page for more rides and posts. Check out North Texas Bikers (1) at http://www.jjskewlstuff.blogspot.com/ for rides, events & posts from January 08-November 08. Until next post, ya'll be careful out there, ride safe and keep the rubber on the road. Pray for our Troops and no matter where you are or where you live, have a SAFE and HAPPY NEW YEAR............JOHN




















Monday, December 29, 2008

The Heritage 12-29-08

On the last post, I had put a stock picture of the Harley that I will be getting in 09 and said I would take pictures of it on the showroom floor next time I was down at Red River Harley Davidson. (http://redriverharley-davidson.com/Default.asp). So, since I had a list of "honey do's" to take care of today, I dropped by the Harley shop, gave some paperwork to Greg ( he runs the Rider's Edge Program there) and I took the pictures of the bike on the showroom floor. Scroll down and see my next Harley and REMEMBER: IF YOU WANT TO SEE THE PICTURE BIGGER, JUST CLICK ON THE PICTURE.





As I got ready to take pics of the bike, I noticed that Christina has been elevated to a position with her own office..Way to go, Christina!!!


Here is my next bike, an 09 Harley Heritage Softail Classic. If this one is still there, then this is the one. If not, I will order one just like it..


From the front. I already have my Harley cap courtesy of Russ, Harley T-shirt courtesy Red River Harley Davidson, my first Harley pins courtesy of Russ & Bill (in Tucson Arizona) and the urge to travel courtesy of my love for bikes and the open highways. I bought a Kawasaki Vulcan in Jan 08 and have put 17,538 miles on it as of today. I can't wait to put the miles on the Harley.


The tank and speedometer....No tach.








Front from the right side.





As I was leaving, Kenny & his granddaughter arrived. Kenny's son is in Iraq again and when he comes home he is going to buy a Harley Crossbones. Kenny was going to put his daughter on a Crossbones , take a picture of her and send the picture to his son. His son was supposed to have been discharged last April but due to the Stop-Loss Program the military has now, they extended his enlistment and sent him back to Irag for another 19 months. Yep, I said 19 months. That has got to suck. But we are proud of him and all the military members of all branches that are serving in the cause of freedom. May God protect them all, grant them victory and bring them all home safely.






I asked Wesley, who just happened to be in the parking lot, to take this picture. From left to right: Greg, Russ, me and Kenny. We are all former coworkers, and now we are all ride together and are members of the Blue Knights TX XX. (http://www.blueknightstxxx.org/). Russ, Kenny and I are also members of the PGR. (www.patriotguard.org)






This is Wesley and his brother in law, Mike. Wesley just moved here from NW Arkansas. Welcome to Texas Wesley. We look forward to having you and Mike riding with us on some of our rides.









Last picture at Red River Harley Davidson was of Mike & Wesley. Thanks for taking the pic for us Wesley. This will conclude this post. I look forward to getting the Harley and returning to the sights and sounds that you can only experience on a Harley. Shoulda never left in the first place... Scroll down for more rides, events & posts and don't forget to click on the "older posts" link at the bottom of EACH page for more rides and posts. Check out North Texas Bikers (1) at http://www.jjskewlstuff.blogspot.com/ for rides, events & posts from January 08-November 08. Until next post, ya'll be careful out there, ride safe and keep the rubber on the road. Pray for our Troops and no matter where you are or where you live, have a SAFE and HAPPY NEW YEAR............JOHN

Friday, December 26, 2008

COMING TO MY GARAGE IN 2009 12-26-08

Since yesterday was Christmas, we had all the picture taking sessions that were expected. But I want ya'll to see two pic's most of all. Scroll down to check it out and REMEMBER: IF YOU WANT TO SEE THE PICTURE BIGGER, JUST CLICK ON THE PICTURE....




This picture is particularly interesting. Notice: All are smiling. This is unusual as usually someone is either picking their nose, burping, giving horns to someone or making a goofy face. My son Matt is sitting down with Amy (my daughter), Janice (my wife) me, and Amanda (my other daughter). Why are we all happy & smiling? Other than it being Christmas?


This is why!!!! I have gotten the green light by Janice to get my Harley in the late spring or summer after we take care of some other bills. I have decided on this black 09 Harley Heritage Softail Classic. The picture is off the showroom pictures on the Red River Harley Davidson site. (http://redriverharley-davidson.com/Default.asp) .But I will go to the Harley shop and take some pics of it when I go there again. It sure is a beautiful bike in person. And I can't wait!!!
That's it for this short post. Hope ya'll had a Merry Christmas and we hope ya'll have a Happy & Safe New Year. Scroll down for more rides, events & posts and don't forget to click on the "older posts" link at the bottom of EACH page for more rides and posts. Check out North Texas Bikers (1) at http://www.jjskewlstuff.blogspot.com/ for rides, events & posts from January 08-November 08. Until next post, ya'll be careful out there, ride safe and keep the rubber on the road..........JOHN

Saturday, December 20, 2008

TULSA OKLAHOMA- ABATE TOY RUN- Keith's Pictures 12-14-08

On Sunday, 12-14-08, Tulsa Oklahoma had its 2008 ABATE Toy Run and they had estimates of 7,000 to 10,000 bikes in attendance. Keith, who regular viewers to this blog know by now, was in attendance and sent these pictures to me of the ABATE Toy Run. It is quite impressive, so scroll down and enjoy Keith's photo's of the event. The text below each picture is Keith's, except where I filled in Keith's name to make it in the second person.. REMEMBER: IF YOU WANT TO SEE THE PICTURE BIGGER, JUST CLICK ON THE PICTURE..





Keith had to ask a lot of people to get permission to ride his bike next to the helicopters so he could get some pictures.
When Keith started taking pics there was not anybody around because it was a closed off area. By the time he finished with the photos, there must have been 50+ bikers taking pics and standing behind his bike with the Marines. It was great and he was impressed at the camaraderie the bikers and the Marines had in pulling this big event off. Here is Keith's 09 Harley Ultra Classic and Keith flanked by two Marines.

These bikes were already set up when Keith arrived at 9:45am. Line-up was at 10:00 and they started the ride at 1:00pm


Just another shot. But notice the green building on the right. Keith is facing north.


Look where the green building is now. The parking lot is starting to get full.



Rance, a friend of Keith's built his rat bike. It runs, and cost him about $1200 to build. Jeff, in the Jack Daniels shirt, is riding that silver 1300 Honda all chromed out. Keith works with Jeff.




Rance & his passengers on the ABATE TOY RUN in Tulsa Oklahoma





Rick and Donny are standing beside Keith's Harley & notice the Sheriff bag filled with toys. Keith used his GPS when he had to go to the bathroom. Hard to remember where you were in line. no markers just one big parking lot at the fairgrounds. Others were lost but not Keith. He walked walked right back to it.






more bikes !







bikes past the 4th lite pole








more bikes facing north









Now Keith is turned around facing South. Beau Coup bikes...





The bikes just behind Keith







Marine helicopter over head. 2 of them landed at the fairgrounds and again at the casino.




Marine helicopter over head.




Donny, in front of Keith, getting ready to turn into the casino about 100 yards further. Notice the gold building on the left. Oral Roberts City of Faith Towers.









Casino up ahead on the right. Marine pilots far right in photo. They arrived ahead of the bikes for some reason









Bikes in the casino parking lot.



Bikes in the casino parking lot. They filled up that truck on the right with toys. Helicopter you see is where Keith took his photo. The other copter is on the far right out of the pic



Bikes in the casino parking lot.



Pic of bikes leaving the casino at about 3:00 pm

Donny's 03 Ultra Classic and Keith's 09 Peace Officers special with his passenger, Poo Bear. Sheila (Keith's wife) was at home, she is getting over a cold. There are Command Pilot and Colonel stickers on the bottom of Keith's windshield (in honor & memory of his dad). Now Keith has started on a custom job.
This will conclude the Tulsa Oklahoma ABATE TOY RUN. Thanks again to Keith for sending the pictures and giving his permission for them to be used on this blog. Tell ya what, those guys and gals up there in the Tulsa area really got together to make it a Merry Christmas for a LOT of Kiddo's. They filled that trailer up, from front to back and top to bottom, with toys!!! Outstanding effort folks..You truly will be blessed for doing this, I'm sure. A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you all!!!
Scroll down for more rides, events and posts and don't forget to click on the "older posts" link at the bottom of EACH page for more rides, events and posts. Also, check out North Texas Bikers (1) at: http://www.jjskewlstuff.blogspot.com/ for rides, events and posts from January 08-November 08. Until the next ride & post, ya'll be careful out there, ride safe, stay warm and keep the rubber on the road...Merry Christmas & Happy New Year's from all of us at North Texas Bikers I & II......................................JOHN