The OKC Incident 6-29-09

This past weekend, 6-26-09/6-28-09, was the National H.O.G. Rally in Oklahoma City. Almost all the folks here with Harley's, with very few exceptions, went up there for the weekend to mingle, party and do what mass groups of Harley folks do when they gather. Unfortunately, all was not fun & games for some of our folks as they were involved in an accident on one of the service roads there. There were scraps, bruises possibly a cracked rib and damaged bikes, but thank God everyone involved survived and made it home. Scroll down for this brief post and REMEMBER: IF YOU WANT TO SEE THE PICTURE BIGGER, JUST CLICK ON THE PICTURE





Most of the regular viewers know some of the involved folks. Sissy is one of the movers & shakers when it comes to biker functions here in the North Texas area. She owns & rides her own Harley and works at Four Stars Motorcycle Ranch in Henrietta Texas. Apparently, what happened was several of the folks were on one of the service roads in Oklahoma City heading to one of the H.O.G. events. Now, if you have ever been on one of OKC's service roads, you know how screwed up they can be with traffic going both directions, vehicle exiting of the highway cutting across both lanes of traffic, stop signs in the middle of nowhere and vision obstructions with trees & signs. As they came around a curve, trees blocked their view of the highway exit ramp & stop sign ahead. Russ, who was lead bike, couldn't stop and frantically signalled to riders behind him. As he slowed down, Sissy hit her brakes and her front wheel locked up in the gravel and the bike went down, throwing Sissy off. Her bike then bounced back up, after hitting on the crash bars and continued forward and hit Russ's bike. Miraculously, he remained upright and he and Linda were okay but his bike was damaged. He saw Sissy sliding across the service road, off her bike. She went all the way across the service road and has major road rash on both arms, bruises, and possibly a cracked rib or two. Steve, her husband, was behind her and witnessed the accident. Needless to say, her Harley was damaged. Above is a pic taken earlier this year of Sissy at the Compassion Run here in Wichita Falls.

Here is a pic of Russ & Linda and his bike taken on a run earlier this year. Although his bike was damaged, he & Linda were not injured. But Russ is blaming himself for the accident. Ya know, sometimes things happen that are non-preventable and not our fault and from what I heard, this was one of those times.

What I would like for all of you to do if pray for Sissy's recovery, that there are no serious problems internally and for Russ. As we all know, he may not have any physical injuries but the blame game can cause some major problems down the road with him if not put in check really quick...But God has answered your prayers before and I am sure he will again now.

Also, pray for Steve. I am sure that image of Sissy going down and tumbling across the road in front of him will be replayed in his mind for a long time. Also, thank God there was no oncoming traffic......

I was supposed to go to Sissy & Steve's and Russ's today to check in with them and get some photo's of the bikes but it's been raining all day and since all I have is the bike, I'm stuck inside until it quits. But I will keep ya'll updated. If you would like, leave Sissy & Russ your comments and I will have them check the site and read them. Thanks...

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, keep the rubber on the road & pray for our Troops & Pattie................JOHN

UPDATE: 6-29-09 3:00 p.m. ..Just talked to Sissy and she went to the hospital yesterday when they got in from OKC. She has anywhere from 2-5 broken ribs. Sissy had a BAD motorcycle accident in 2007 and broke a lot of ribs then. They (the docs) are not sure which are new broken ribs and which are the previously broken ones. Either way, she says she is doing okay and plans to go back to work at Four Stars Motorcycle Ranch tomorrow. Steve stayed home today to be with her. I told you she was dedicated!!! I also talked to Russ and he said he is doing ok and he appreciates your prayers for all concerned, as do all of us, their friends.........JOHN

The HOT Saturday Ride to Throckmorton Texas 6-27-09

Today, Saturday, 6-27-09, we were supposed to have a quick ride down to Windthorst Texas for breakfast at Granny K's Restaurant and then be back home before it got hot. Apparently, we got our wires crossed and ended up quite a bit farther South than Windthorst. Windthorst is 24.88 miles from here and about a 27 minute ride. We ended up,instead, in Throckmorton Texas, at the Cow Country Cafe, which is 82.89 miles and 1 hr 30 minutes from here. Scroll down and check the ride out and REMEMBER: IF YOU WANT TO SEE THE PICTURES BIGGER, JUST CLICK ON THE PICTURES.











We met at the Wal-Mart on SW PKWY here in Wichita Falls at 8:15 a.m. and went KSU at 8:45 a.m. after making sure no one else was going to show up. Those on this quickly put together ride were: Ken, Bud, Steve & me (John). Here is Ken as we headed down TX 79, which should of been our first clue that we were on the wrong road for Windthorst. I just figured we were going via a different route..

Here is Bud on his VTX

Here is Ken on his new Gold Wing

Here is Steve on his Valkyrie. He is fixin to possibly trade it in on an 06 Yamaha Venture.

Here is Steve as we come upon Archer City. Our second clue should of been when we went straight thru the intersection, where, if going to Windthorst, we should've turned left.

It was well on the other side of Archer City that it dawned on me that when we were discussing where to ride to, that when it was mentioned that we were going to the Country Cafe in Windthorst, that the Cafe's name was right but we had the wrong city. Instead of Granny K's in Windthorst, we were heading to Throckmorton and there was no way we were gonna get back before being fried alive.. Here are Bud & Ken bringing up the rear..

Here is Steve as we reach the outskirts of Throckmorton..

Bud & Ken are still with us..

We arrive at the Cow Country Cafe in Throckmorton. Left to right: Steve, Bud & Ken

We get a customer to take this pic of the four of us: Steve, me, Bud & Ken

Steve inside the Country Cafe

Bud inside the Country Cafe

Ken inside the Country Cafe

We finish eating, gas up and then went over by this HUGE Steer sculpture on the corner

Here is Ken in front of the Steer. As I got to looking, the thought hit me.....

The sculpture's artist certainly payed attention to detail, leaving nothing to the imagination..(Click on the pic to see what I mean)

Bud, Steve & Ken in front of the anatomically correct sculpture..

We left Wichita Falls with the temp in the low 80's. Two and a half hours later, we leave Throckmorton for Wichita Falls and the temp is 100 and climbing. Here are Steve leading followed by Bud & Ken with me at the back

We head North towards Seymour Texas and start a 15 mile stretch of road construction with loose gravel everywhere..

We get a variety of scenery going this route. The mesquite trees are alive & well here in Texas

It is really hot riding over that asphalt

We do get to ride thru some dips & curves on our way North

I was burning up and had the guys stop at the DQ in Holliday Texas for a drink break. Here we park the bikes and head inside for about a 30-45 minute cool down and re hydration break

One of the 10 zillion DQ's in Texas. Naturally, the only city in the entire state of Texas without a DQ, is our fabulous city of Wichita Falls.

Last shot of the ride is of Bud as we ride East on US 82 towards home. I got home maybe 10 minutes later and it was 104 degrees. I went to the store with Janice a short time after that and the car was saying it was 107 out.. But, we still had a good time and it really feels good to be in the wind again. I look forward to our next ride.

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, keep the rubber on the road & pray for our Troops & Pattie................JOHN

BACK IN THE SADDLE AGAIN!!! 6-26-09

I want to thank all of you for putting in a good word for me with the Man up above, because yesterday, 6-25-09 at about 4:30 p.m. the Doc cut me loose from the eye restrictions & motorcycle riding. The first thing I did when I got home was jump on the bike and went for about a 25 mile ride. I was wearing my sun glasses but the wind still was bothering the eye, so I came home. But today was a different story. I rode down to city hall & picked up Janice for lunch and took her car in for an oil change. Anyway, scroll down for a couple freedom pictures and REMEMBER: IF YOU WANT TO SEE THE PICTURE BIGGER, JUST CLICK ON THE PICTURE.



I got down to city hall and my friend & former supervisor & now city councilor, Glenn, was there and he took this picture of Janice, me & Ms. Clone

Janice returned the favor and got a picture of me & Glenn

This picture is for Vickie up in Ft. Collins Colorado.. AAARGHHH, there Matey... Hide that bottle o' rum from the scurvy dogs!!!

Janice heading back to work. I headed out US 287 and took the back way into the house. As I passed Red River Harley Davidson at US 287 & City View Dr, I noticed there were a multitude of bikers in the parking lot. I imagine they are gathering for a ride en masse to Oklahoma City for the big H.O.G. Rally there this weekend. As I don't currently ride a Harley & am not a member of H.O.G, I am not going. HOWEVER, next year the Texas H.O.G. Rally will be here in Wichita Falls & I WILL have my Harley then and will be in attendance. I have decided against the Softail Classic and am getting the Road King.

If I can find anyone left in town to ride with, I will go for a ride tomorrow. If not, I will go somewhere solo..

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, keep the rubber on the road & pray for our Troops & Pattie................JOHN

Tomorrow, Do I Get Cut Loose? 6-24-09

Today, Wednesday, 6-24-09, marks the sixth day I have not been on my motorcycle since I had the cataract removed from my left eye. Two things are really bothering me. #1. I am already sick of wearing this patch over my eye. My hat is off to you out there that have to wear one on a permanent basis. #2. I am getting cabin fever. Oh, I can go out but can't go anywhere unless someone takes me by car. Can't go by motorcycle. It's driving me fricken nuts!!! But tomorrow, day 7, at 3:30 p.m. I go back to the Doc on a follow-up and I pray that he cuts me loose. So, put a good word in for me tonight when ya'll say your prayers. Until tomorrow, I thought I would put in some new photo's of my Uncle Kurt's new Harley Trike. It goes without saying that they are ridin' it and lovin' it...Scroll down for the new pics and REMEMBER: IF YOU WANT TO SEE THE PICTURE BIGGER, JUST CLICK ON THE PIC.





Tomorrow I hope to be through with the patch & no motorcycle restrictions. If I get cut loose I plan on going to the Harley shop (Red River Harley Davidson), Four-Stars Motorcycle Ranch, and Eddie Hills Fun Cycles and get blog updates on all three as well as Jim's Bike Detail Shop and Texoma Thunder.

Here is a picture of Uncle Kurt & Aunt Shirley, that the dealership up in Joplin Missouri, took of them & the trike when they purchased it

Uncle Kurt on the trike fixin' to go for a ride.

Aunt Shirley on the trike. They both took the m/c test and passed and as I understand it, both are going to take a course from the Harley Davidson Rider's Edge Program.

Uncle Kurt out putting the trike thru its paces

Aunt Shirley took this self portrait as she was riding on the back of the trike. They are having a good time and have been over to Janice's cousin's house and given them rides already. They hope to be able to ride in the upcoming MDA ride there in the Joplin area. If ya live close and attend, look them up and tell them hi.

That will conclude this post. I am glad they are having a good time on the trike. Uncle Kurt used to ride and own a couple of late 1940s Harley's that he had to shift on the left with a hand shifter. He says they have come a long way with Harley's since then..

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, keep the rubber on the road & pray for our Troops & Pattie................JOHN

EYE SURGERY COMPLETE 6-18-09

The first part of April 09, I went to my annual eye appointment. My vision had gotten terrible and I was getting concerned about it. The eye exam showed that I was just about blind in my left eye do to a very large cataract that had developed over the past year. So the date was set for the surgery to get it removed and today was the day.

Here I sit in the Doctor's office waiting to go get prepped. I am not anxious about the surgery as Dr. Kelly has done a billion of these. I look this way because I am still mad about getting all my hair cut off as well as my beard. But that's a story for another day.

This was as I got into the car after the surgery. Doc said the surgery went great. I am still a little groggy as you can tell by my right eye. I go back to the doc this afternoon and they are going to take the patch off and let me look around.

The visit to the doc's at 3 p.m. was a big disappointment. When he took the patch off, I had a major case of double vision. I mean it was so bad that I looked at him and two feet away was another image of him. But he said that was pretty common following surgery. Good news is: that it will get better. Bad news is: no motorcycle riding for a week or so. Holy crap!!! I haven't been off the bike more that 2 days since I got it back in January 08... I guess I will get a whole bunch of computer work done including some blog maintenance I have been putting off. I go back to see the doc next Thursday. Hopefully all will be good & he will cut me loose..



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, keep the rubber on the road & pray for our Troops & Patti's safe return from South Korea................JOHN

HOW ABOUT A LIST FOR BIKERS? 6-17-09

I was just over on my good friends, Tim & Vickie's blog, "Our Harley Days" at the following link: http://ourharleydays.blogspot.com/ and they had an incident happen to them up in Colorado (they live in Ft. Collins) while they were out on their Harley that they affectionately call "The Ride". Seems they had ridden The Ride over to Estes Park and stopped in at the Mountaineer Restaurant, and were inside minding their own business, and some guy started in on them. Seems he wanted to know why bikers always wore black and those "head things" and why Harley people always looked alike and compared them to penguins and scarecrows. He then went on about how he had a BMW M/C and how much BMW riders do for their communities and blah blah, blah. I suggest all of you viewers go Tim & Vickie's blog and read the entire episode.

I highly commend Tim on the restraint shown in not dragging the guy outside and stomping the crap out of him. That goes for Vickie too, because as we all know, that our biker ladies can open a big can of whoop ass if the moment calls for it, as this did. Great restraint guys. Probably saved you an assault charge & getting The Ride impounded.

So now, I want input from ALL you bikers out there and let's start a "Things you don't say or do to biker's that will cause you to get YOUR ASS KICKED by said bikers" list. I will start it out with the first two. The rest we can add as they come in from you, the viewers and bikers.


#1. If you ask stupid and idiotic questions to a biker that will insult him and the entire Harley Davidson Nation, you deserve to have YOUR ASS KICKED by everyone that rides a Harley, starting with those in Ft. Collins Colorado.

#2. If you touch a bike or think it's cute to sit on a motorcycle that's not yours for a photo op, you deserve and most likely will get YOUR ASS KICKED by it's owner and that goes for any make of bike. More likely from a Harley owner, first and foremost.


Okay that starts the list. Let's get this list growing and put out there for the uppity's and non-knowing, non-biker types. I think this will be good. Just email me or leave a comment with your list addition and it will be added. Remember to check out "Our Harley Days" at: http://ourharleydays.blogspot.com/ for the complete story on the idiot that inspired the list. Also, check this link for more on the Mountaineer Restaurant in Estes Park, Colorado: http://www.enjoyestespark.com/estespark.php?account=310

I also want to say, before someone goes off on me about it, that neither Tim & Vickie nor I have anything against BMW riders or any other make of bike that people ride. I currently ride a Kawasaki and am getting another Harley here in the very near future but since the guy made it a point to add the dig in on Tim & Vickie about HIS BMW and his opinion about BMW people in HIS community, well, that is the reason it was mentioned in their blog and this blog.

So, 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, keep the rubber on the road & pray for our Troops................JOHN

UNCLE KURT GETS HIS TRI GLIDE!! 6-17-09

Back in November 08 or there abouts, I posted that our Uncle Kurt, who is 81, had ordered a new 09 Harley Tri-Glide. Well something came up and he cancelled the order in February 09. He & our Aunt Shirley were talking and decided to buy a Harley 2-wheeler of some sort. So a few days ago, they went to the Harley Dealership there in Missouri, walked in and there sat the trike he had ordered. One thing led to another and now that trike is in his garage and like the song goes: signed for, deal sealed, and delivered. The pics below were sent by Aunt Shirley while they were looking at the trike at the Harley Dealership. She said she will take more once they get out on it and I can do an updated post. So, scroll down and check out this GREAT looking Harley and REMEMBER: IF YOU WANT TO SEE THE PICTURE BIGGER, JUST CLICK ON THE PICTURE..




Here is Uncle Kurt looking the trike over. He told me it is Candy Apple Red

It has all the bells & whistles and he said it even has a reverse gear.. I know several folks that ride trikes and even some with the big bikes that have that reverse gear and they love it.

This is just one GREAT looking Trike that Harley has put together and I am happy for Uncle Kurt & Aunt Shirley. Janice is even talking about riding up to Missouri so we can ride around with them. And as I said before, if you think you are too old to ride or know someone who is playing the "too old to ride" card, just tell them about Uncle Kurt who is 81 and show them this post. You are never too old. When I get to where I can't handle 2 wheels, then I will go to a trike also..But Uncle Kurt, YA DONE GOOD!!!

Also, Uncle Kurt's son, Steve, our cousin, who lives in Encino California had a bike accident yesterday where the bike flipped and it crushed his left elbow. Steve gets reconstructive surgery and a metal plate put in at 3:30 p.m. today and I would ask that all of you readers pray for him and that the surgery comes out well. Again, I know Steve would appreciate it as well as the rest of us that know & love him.

So, 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, keep the rubber on the road & pray for our Troops & Patti's safe return from South Korea................JOHN

ONE MORE TO THE LIST 6-16-09

I received a comment from Rob, who is a Veteran of the Iraqi War and runs the blog: http://motophotoadventures.blogspot.com/. His comment was about the READ & HEED post below. It really struck home with me, so, to honor Rob and all Vet's who have been in combat and were asked the question Rob mentioned, I added #14 to the list and edited it in. My hats off to all those who have served & are currently serving and I can't say "Thank You" enough, for the sacrifices ya'll made and are making.


Which brings me to another bit of info. Most of you regular viewers have seen Patti on numerous posts, with her new red Harley Ultra Classic. Well, Patti is also a Captain in the USAF and while I was in Michigan, she shipped out to South Korea. I missed her going away party, sadly to say, but did talk to her on the phone. I told her that this blog was her blog and anything she wanted posted on it, she is to email me and I will put it on here for her. So, we will be getting updates, photo's and whatever else she sends us, when she gets settled in.

This is Patti on the Compassion Run here in Wichita Falls a couple months ago. I would like all of the viewers that can, to pray for Patti and her safe return, especially with the psycho running N. Korea heating things up. I know she would appreciate it and all of us that know her and love her as a friend would too.

Don't forget to check out Rob's blog at: http://motophotoadventures.blogspot.com/ and to read #14 edited in on the READ & HEED post below.

So, 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, keep the rubber on the road & pray for our Troops & Patti's safe return from South Korea................JOHN

READ & HEED 6-8-09

I received this email this morning from a fellow PGR member & friend named Gary. Since about 90% of the guys I ride with are Vets and alot of folks that read this blog are Vets, I thought they might find this humorous. Being a Vet myself, #4 has special meeting to me and several Vietnam Combat Vets as we were at work one night, sitting around talking about some of our experiences during the Vietnam War, and another guy walked up stating he was a former Marine and in Vietnam in the 3rd Marine Division. he threw a couple of stories in and then left. Later, one of the Vets came in and had done some checking and the "former Marine" would of been only 11years old at the time of the end of the war. So, please, if it applies, pay heed to #4.

To the author of the following, whoever he/she is, ya done good.





-------Original Message---



Rules for the Non-Military

Dear Civilians, We know that the current state of affairs in our great
nation has many civilians up in arms and excited to join the military.
For those of you who can't join, you can still lend a hand.. Here are a
few of the areas where we would like your assistance:

1. The next time you see any adults talking (or wearing a hat) during
the playing of the National Anthem - kick their ass.

2. When you witness, firsthand, someone burning the American Flag in
protest - kick their ass.

3. Regardless of the rank they held while they served, pay the highest
amount of respect to all veterans. If you see anyone doing otherwise,
quietly pull them aside and explain how these veterans fought for the
very freedom they bask in every second. Enlighten them on the many
sacrifices these veterans made to make this Nation great. Then hold them
down while a disabled veteran kicks their ass

4. If you were never in the military, DO NOT pretend that you were.
Wearing battle dress uniforms (BDUs) or Jungle Fatigues, telling others
that you used to be ' Special Forces. Collecting GI Joe memorabilia,
might have been okay when you were seven years old, now, it will only
make you look stupid and get your ass kicked.

5. Next time you come across an *Air Force* member, do not ask them,
'Do you fly a jet?' Not everyone in the Air Force is a pilot. Such
ignorance deserves an ass-kicking (children are exempt).

6. If you witness someone calling the *US Coast Guard* ' non-military
' , inform them of their mistake - and kick their ass.

7. Next time Old Glory (the US flag) prances by during a parade, get on
your damn feet and pay homage to her by placing your hand over your
heart. Quietly thank the military member or veteran lucky enough to be
carrying her - of course, failure to do either of those could earn you a
severe ass-kicking.

8. Don't try to discuss politics with a military member or veteran. We
are Americans, and we all bleed the same, regardless of our party
affiliation. Our Chain of Command is to include our Commander-In-Chief
(CinC). The President (for those who didn't know) is our CinC Regardless
of political party. We have no inside track on what happens inside those
big important buildings where all those representatives meet All we know
is that when those civilian representatives screw up the situation, they
call upon the military to go straighten it out. If you keep asking us
the same stupid questions repeatedly, you will get your ass kicked.

9. ' Your mama wears combat boots ' never made sense to me - stop
saying it! If she did, she would most likely be a vet and therefore
would kick your ass!

10. Bin Laden and the Taliban are not Communists, so stop saying '
Let's go kill those Commies! 'And stop asking us where he is!
Crystal balls are not standard issue in the military. That reminds me -
if you see anyone calling those damn psychic phone numbers, let me know,
so I can go kick their ass!

11. ' Flyboy ' (*Air Force*), ' Jarhead ' (*Marines),* ' Grunt '
(*Army*), ' Squid ' (*Navy*), ' Puddle Jumpers ' (*Coast Guard*), etc.,
are terms of endearment we use describing each other.. unless you are a
service member or vet, you have not earned the right to use them. Using
them could get your ass kicked.

12. Last, but not least, whether or not you become a member of the
military, support our troops and their families. Every Thanksgiving and
religious holiday that you enjoy with family and friends, please
remember that there are literally thousands of soldiers, sailors,
marines and airmen far from home wishing; they could be with their
families... Thank God for our military and the sacrifices they make
every day. Without them, our Country would get it's ass kicked.. '

'It's the Veteran, not the reporter, who has given us the freedom of the
press. '

'It's the Veteran, not the poet, who has given us the freedom of speech.
'

'It's the Veteran, not the community organizer, who gives us the freedom
to demonstrate.. '

'It's the Military who salutes the flag, who serves beneath the flag,
and whose coffin is draped by the flag, who allows the protester to burn
the flag. '



AND ONE MORE:


13. If you ever see anyone singing the national anthem in Spanish - KICK
THEIR ASS.



AND ONE ADDITIONAL, SUGGESTED BY ROB, WHO IS AN VETERAN OF THE IRAQI WAR AND HE RUNS THE GREAT BLOG: www.motophotadventures.blogspot.com. ROB IS A TRUE AMERICAN HERO.


14. War is, by it's nature, a savage event where it is killed or be killed. Rob writes:

" When I got back from Iraq (Army), I had a few folks come up to me and ask, "did you kill anyone over there". I am not sure why but that really bothered me. In fact, it was almost a hurtful question b/c it was not about killing. It was about protecting ones buddy, squad, platoon and Country. I would recommend, "Don't ask Vet's stupid questions" to the list. "

So, you can take it to the bank, that if a soldier is in Combat arms, no matter what branch of service, and he is on the front lines, then chances are about 100% that he has killed and has seen his buddies killed. And Iraq is like Vietnam, in the sense that there are no safe havens in country, so even the REMF's may have had to go defensive and take out an enemy. When the soldier returns home, he need not be reminded of the things he had to do in war. He knows what he did and most likely is trying to forget it and the images that go with it. So, like Rob suggests, Don't ask Vet's stupid, personal questions pertaining to anything that may pull up a graphic image to the soldiers mind & memory that he is trying to forget. If you do, chances are very likely you will get your ignorant ASS KICKED by the Vet you asked the question to, as well as by one or more other Vet's who may also be within earshot.




ONE LAST THING:

If you got this email and didn't pass it on, guess what, you deserve toget your ass kicked!!!!I sent this to you, because I didn't want to get my ass kicked.

WE LIVE IN THE LAND OF THE FREE, ONLY BECAUSE OF THE BRAVE! IN GOD WE TRUST!

END


And this will end this post. Thanks Gary for sending me the above. I got a good laugh out of it and I hope others do too.

So, 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, keep the rubber on the road & pray for our Troops................JOHN

The Michigan Trip The Ride Home To Texas 6-5-09

I left my parents house at 3:00 a.m. (Texas time) on Friday 6-5-09 for the ride back to Texas. I was riding in between two weather systems and as the result of that, I had to go non-stop back to Texas or get stuck in the storms if I stopped anywhere. So, I had to cancel my plans to stop in St. Louis & Joplin and hammer down in hopes of beating the storms. I got home at 1:07 a.m. Saturday 6-6-09 and as I was passing thru Lawton Oklahoma, (50 miles North of home), I could see lightning off to the West. So, Scroll down for the final few pics of the trip and REMEMBER: IF YOU WANT TO SEE THE PICTURES BIGGER, JUST CLICK ON THE PICTURE.




Detroit Metro Airport

Detroit Metro Airport

These were built on I-94 to honor the Detroit Lions when they went to the Super Bowl several years ago.

The city of Indianapolis Indiana off to my right

The Indy International Airport off of I-70

The Indy Airport signs

A couple bikes that pulled onto I-70 in front of me...

I cross into Illinois

Illinois is known for its farmland

This giant cross is right off of I-70 in Illinois

I stopped for gas and met Wes, a fellow PGR member. He is also a member of CMA and his home Chapter is the Sons of Thunder of NW Indiana. http://cmancr3.org/IN/SONSOFTHUNDER/default.aspx . He had 3 1/2 hours to go (he was riding to Chicago) and I had 12 1/2 hrs to go.

I had plenty of construction work to deal with on the ride back thru six states

One site I always love to see while on the road is the Arch in St. Louis Missouri. This was taken while still on I-70 in Illinois

Getting a little closer

The Arch & the Mississippi River. I had to put the camera up for awhile because if you've ever been on the bridge across the river and the traffic in St. Louis, you know the hazards of just driving a car, much less a motorcycle thru that mess.

After clearing St. Louis and settling into the ride, I get the camera out again. Here I am going thru the Ozarks

More of the Ozarks

I was cruising along at about 80 mph when this Harley passes me doing close to a hundred. I had seen him approaching in my mirror and was ready with the camera..

This is a mansion in Joplin Missouri that is also a store & restaurant..

About 50 miles from Joplin, after crossing into Oklahoma, you approach the largest McDonald's in the US. It crosses over I-44

and here it is. It sits over I-44, in Oklahoma, between Tulsa Oklahoma & Joplin Missouri

On I-44 in Oklahoma, just hours from Texas

At 12:32 a.m. on June 6, 09, I cross into Texas and stop on I-44 and get this last picture of the trip. The Michigan trip was great and I look forward to seeing my family & friends again next year. However, I will not be going non stop again. I have proved all I have to prove about us old guys be capable of going long distances non stop. With April's 1,000 mile non stop run to Tucson Arizona and six days later, this 1,251 non stop run to and from Michigan , I have done my last non stop cross country ride. I will now join the ranks of the sane and spend nights at hotels & motels on a nice soft bed when travelling on a motorcycle.

So, 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, keep the rubber on the road & pray for our Troops................JOHN