MOTORCYCLE RIDE TO THE FOUR CORNERS MONUMENT IN THE USA

It’s a great feeling to visit four different states at the same time without figuring out how to clone yourself.

I rode my motorcycle on gravel with a beautiful view of seven (7) flags representing three nations Navajo, Ute and United States of America and four states Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico and Utah. The Navajo Nation owns these remote areas of Arizona, New Mexico and Utah. The Ute Nation owns the southwest corner of Colorado.

On February 2, 1848, the United States acquired the remote area currently known as the four corners from Mexico under the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo for $15 million. The people living in the area had the choice to relocate within the new borders of Mexico or receive full civil rights as an American citizen. It is worth noting the land was initially owned by Native Americans before it was claimed by Spain and before Mexico gained independence from Spain in 1821.

In 1912, the cement pad was built on site to officially mark the only place in the Unites States of America where four states meet at one point Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico and Utah. In 1931, the cement pad was replaced with a brass disc marker. In 1962, the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Bureau of Land Management poured an elevated cement pad around the 1931 brass marker. The monument was rebuilt in 1992 replacing the 1931 brass marker with a disc shaped plate.  In 2010, the monument was rebuilt again with the same 1992 disc shaped plate.

The monument is located miles away from gas, food, and lodging. There are several campgrounds nearby the monument. Visitors are encouraged to bring water and hand sanitizer since there is no running water. There are booths surrounding the four corners monument to purchase jewelry, crafts and food directly from the Navajo and Ute.

You will have to wait patiently in line for your turn to stand or lay down in the middle of the four states or figure out creative ways to touch all four states with your arms and legs. Don’t forget to get a picture!

If you plan to ride your motorcycle to the Four Corners Monument, bring your kickstand pad.

 

MOTORCYCLE RIDE TO MICHAEL JACKSON’S CHILDHOOD HOME (includes video footage of visit)

As I ride my motorcycle through the streets of Gary, Indiana on July 5, 2017, I immediately notice poverty. Gary reminds me of a ghost town with vacant storefronts, boarded up buildings and houses and empty streets.

I’m excited for the opportunity to visit the childhood home of the late Michael Jackson and his siblings Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, Marlon, Randy, La Toya, Rebbie and Janet.

Joseph Jackson and Katherine Jackson purchased a two-bedroom home on 2300 Jackson Street in Gary, Indiana while Joseph Jackson was working at Inland Steel and Katherine working part-time at Sears in 1950. Joe and Katherine had 10 children. One of their children Brandon died after he was born. Joe and Katherine raised nine (9) children in their small two-bedroom home before the Jacksons became famous.

I pull up on my motorcycle to 2300 Jackson Street and park in front of the only nice house on the block. The black wrought iron fence surrounding a perfectly manicured lawn was locked to prevent visitors from walking up to the house. The small white house had security shutters on the windows to prevent criminals and visitors from looking inside. There are also security cameras installed on the house. The large granite memorial statute for Michael Jackson in the front yard with images from various stages of his career and some lyrics from his popular songs. On the side of the house in the driveway are donated bricks with some pictures of Michael and the names of family members. Behind the house is an alley. There are plastic flowers and handwritten graffiti expressing love and admiration for the Jackson family. Across from the alley is Roosevelt High School where some of the Jackson children attended. According to various news sources, the memorial statute for Michael was removed in October 2017 and in the possession of the family.

A childhood friend of the Jackson’s was there during my visit doing some surveillance on behalf of the family. He confirmed Joe and Katherine currently owns the home. The family is interested in doing something more Jackson family related since it is more like a Michael Jackson monument. He was taking pictures and sending them to Jermaine Jackson. The family is thinking about doing a Jackson’s family museum since Michael’s estate may not be interested in doing it right now and it’s important to honor the entire family and their efforts in music. He is a local designer that works with the Jackson family.

The Jackson’s achievements, music and legacy will live on forever.

Click play to watch the video below of visit to the Jackson family home.

Motorcycle Helmet May Save Your Life

The most common fatal injuries sustained by motorcycle riders are injuries to the head. The purpose of the motorcycle helmet is to help reduce fatalities and injuries resulting from motorcycle accidents.  It was a pleasure hosting a motorcycle helmet clinic to educate motorcycle riders and passengers in the community.

Motorcycle riders adopted the use of helmets from the military, football, auto racing and space industries.

In 1918, the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) was established to oversee the development of voluntary consensus standards for products, services, processes, systems and personnel in the United States. The first American Standard Safety Code was approved in 1921 and covered the protection of the heads and eyes of industrial workers. Many standards produced by ANSI in the 1930s promoted safety in work and home environments. ANSI based standards is essentially for auto race driving helmets adopted or endorsed for use by motorcycle riders. ANSI formerly adopted its present name after numerous reorganizations and name changes in 1969.

Motorcycle riders wore leather caps made of sheepskin or gabardine leather until T.E. Lawrence (aka Lawrence Arabia suffered a fatal motorcycle crash and Hugh Carins lead the development of the motorcycle crash helmet in 1935.

In 1953, Professor C.F. Red Lombard submitted the first patent for a motorcycle helmet.

Snell Memorial Foundation has independently tested manufacturer’s helmets since 1957. Once a helmet is Snell certified, the manufacturer cannot make any design changes. Any structural modification made by a motorcycle rider such as drilling holes, paint, glue, adhesive stickers or solvents not approved by the manufacturer may make the helmet ineffective and automatically invalidate existing Snell certification because it could affect the performance quality of the helmet. Snell Standards are the toughest testing and performance standards in the world. Snell examines, revises, updates and republishes many of its standards about every five years.

In 1966, the National Highway Safety Act (NHSA) required states to pass mandatory helmet laws in order to receive Federal highway funding.
In 1967, the U.S. Department of Transportation was established to help maintain and develop the nation’s transportation system and infrastructure.

In 1970, Congress amended the Vehicle Safety Act to expand the definition of motor vehicle equipment to include “any device, article or apparel…to safeguard motor vehicles, drivers, passengers, and other highway users from the risk of accident, injury or death and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) was established to help reduce the number of deaths, injuries, and economic losses resulting from motorcycle vehicle crashes on the Nation’s highways.

On January 4, 1974, the U.S. Department of Transportation declared Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 218 (FMVSS-218) for motorcycle helmets.

In 1975, Congress withdrew the requirements of the NHSA and many states repealed mandatory helmet laws.

On July 6, 2012, President Barack Obama signed into law a new two year transportation reauthorization bill, the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21), which modified the definition of “motor vehicle equipment adding the term “motorcycle helmet” to the description of regulated items.

Motorcycle helmets sold in the United States must meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard FMVSS 218. It is a violation of some state laws for motorcycle riders and passengers to wear unsafe novelty helmets with affix stickers perpetrating manufacturers certification labels that do not meet FMVS 218.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration requires motorcycle helmets manufactured after May 13, 2013 to include the phrase “FMVSS No. 128 on the certification decal with the manufacturers name or brand name and the word certified to make easy for riders and law enforcement to identify non-compliant helmets. Prior to May 13, 2013, the label requirements of FMVSS No. 218 consist of the letters “DOT” on the rear of the helmet. As of this date, there are no regulatory limits on the age of motorcycle helmets that may be used to comply with a state motorcycle helmet use law. Motorcycle riders and passengers can wear helmets with “DOT” made prior to the May 2013 label change requirements.

If you are planning a motorcycle ride crossing state lines, check the current helmet laws.

As of 2018, there is no helmet law in Illinois, Iowa and New Hampshire. Alabama, California, District of Columbia, Georgia, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Nevada, North Carolina, Oregon, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia and Washington require all motorcyclist and passengers to wear a helmet under universal helmet laws. Partial helmet laws states of Alaska, Arkansas, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Wisconsin and Wyoming requires motorcycle riders to have medical insurance coverage.

Higher insurance premiums for motorcycle riders that wear helmets in states that do not require protection because helmetless motorcyclist in most cases are uninsured at the time of serious injury or fatal accident. For example, the state of Michigan requires motorcycle riders to have at least $20,000 of medical benefit coverage on their motorcycle insurance if they plan to ride without a helmet which would likely raise insurance cost. If a motorcycle rider is uninsured or under insured, their treatment cost is often funded by state public health programs.

A high number of motorcycle crash fatalities has shown motorcyclist wearing sub-standard motorcycle helmets not intended for highway use providing little or no head protection resulting in high cost to tax payers.

When shopping for a motorcycle helmet check for the following labels to certify the helmet meets or exceeds FMVSS 218.
• DOT prior to May 13, 2013
• FMVSS No. 128 after May 13, 2013
• Snell inside the helmet.
• American National Standards Institute (ANSI) inside the helmet
• Manufacturers name on or inside the helmet stating model, size, month and year of manufacture, construction materials and owners information.
Make sure your helmet is a good snug fit and it can stay on your head after fasting the chin strap when you shake your head from side to side and up and down.

If your helmet takes a hit or drop on the ground, it should be replaced immediately because the expanded polystyrene (EPS) inside the helmet absorbs the energy of an impact spreading the forces throughout the helmet material, which is used to protect your head and brain. Although the helmet may appear normal, the inner EPS foam may have lost absorbing capability and may provide little or no protection during a motorcycle accident. You may consider contacting the manufacturer to request having your motorcycle helmet x-rayed by a professional to confirm if the inner layers of the helmet are still in good condition.

Motorcycle Dealerships Recognized for Outstanding Customer Service by Indian Motorcycle Owners

I enjoy riding motorcycles cross country and I prefer to patronize motorcycle dealerships that enjoy interacting with people to produce a positive and safe outcome on the open road. I asked Indian Motorcycle owners in a Facebook group “What dealership in your area provides outstanding customer service?”

Below is the list of dealerships recognized for outstanding customer service by Indian Motorcycle owners:

State/CountryDealershipWebsite
AlabamaBig #1 Motorsportshttps://www.bignumber1.com/
ArizonaDouble D’s Performance Ihttps://www.double-ds-performance.com/
ArkansasHeritage Indian of Northwest Arkansashttp://www.heritageindiannwa.com/
ArkansasGregory Polarishttps://www.gregorypolaris.com/
AustraliaIndian Motorcycle Perthhttps://victorymotorcyclesperth.sitedynamic.com.au/
AustraliaIndian Motorcycles Brisbanehttps://victorymotorcyclesbrisbane.sitedynamic.com.au/
AustraliaAdelaide Motorcycle Centrehttps://adelaidemc.com.au/
CaliforniaIndian Motorcycle of El Cajonhttps://indianmotorcycleelcajon.com/
California Hollister Powersportshttps://hollisterpowersports.com/
CaliforniaHerwaldt Motorsportshttps://www.herwaldt.com/
California C & E Auburn V-Twinhttps://www.auburnvtwin.com/
CaliforniaNorth County Indian Motorcyclehttps://www.northcountyindian.com/
California Indian Motorcycle of Orange Countyhttps://www.indianmotorcycleorangecounty.com/
ColoradoIndian Motorcycle of Denverhttps://www.gforcepowersports.com/
ColoradoIndian of Fort Collins Coloradohttps://www.indianmotorcycleoffortcollins.com/
DubaiIndian Motorcycle United Arab Emirateshttps://www.indianmotorcycle.ae/
FloridaIndian Motorcycle of Miamihttps://www.indianmotorcycleofmiami.com/
FloridaIndian Motorcycle of Panama City Beachhttps://indianofpcb.com/
FloridaIndian Motorcycle Treasure Coasthttps://www.treasurecoastindianmotorcycle.com/
FloridaAdventure Motorsports of NWFhttps://www.adventuremotorsportsofnwf.com/
FloridaIndian Motorcycle of Melbournehttp://www.indianmotorcycleofmelbournefl.com/
GeorgiaIndian Motorcycle of Mariettahttps://indianmotorcyclemarietta.com/
GeorgiaMall of Georgia Indian Motorcycleshttps://mallofgeorgiaindianmotorcycle.com/
IdahoSawtooth Indian Motorcyclehttps://www.sawtoothindianmotorcycle.com/
IndianaIndian Motorcycle of Elkharthttps://elkhartindianmotorcycle.com/
IndianaIndian Motorcycle of Clarksvillehttps://www.sawtoothindianmotorcycle.com/
KansasIndian Motorcycle Kansas Cityhttps://www.ridenowkansascity.com/--indian-motorcycles
IllinoisRoute 66 Indian Motorcyclehttps://www.rt66indianmotorcycle.com/--Million-Mile-Warranty
Illinois Indian Motorcycle of Libertyvillehttps://www.indianmotorcycleoflibertyville.com/
IllinoisiMotorsportshttps://www.imotorsportsinc.com/
LouisianaIndian Motorcycle of New Orleanshttps://indianofneworleans.com/
LouisianaShreveport Cycleshttps://www.shreveportcycles.com/
MainePaul Blouin Performance in Augustahttps://www.blouinperformance.com/
MarylandTwigg Indian Motorcyclehttps://www.twiggindianmotorcycle.com/
MarylandIndian Motorcycle - Chesapeake Cycleshttps://chesapeakecycles.com/indian-of-annapolis/
MassachusettsMOMS of Bostonhttps://www.momsboston.com/
MassachusettsMOMS Foxborohttps://www.momsouth.com/
MassachusettsIndian Motorcycle of Springfieldhttps://indianofspringfield.com/
MichiganLakeside Indian Motorcycle https://www.lakesideindian.com/
MichiganMotor City Motorcycleshttps://www.motorcitymotorcycles.com/
Michigan
MinnesotaBison Thunder Motors in St. Michael and St. Paulhttps://bisonthundermotorcycle.com/
New HampshireMOMS of Manchesterhttps://www.momsnh.com/
New MexicoIndian Motorcycle of Albuquerquehttps://www.indianmotorcycleabq.com/
New JerseyIndian Motorcycle of Monmouthhttps://indianofmonmouth.com/
New JerseyIndian Motorcycle of Waynehttps://indianmotorcyclewayne.com/
New YorkGotham Motorcycleshttps://gothamsi.com/
New YorkIndian Motorcycle of Mineolahttps://indianmotorcycleofmineola.com/
NorwayIndian Motorcycle VBSMC Verdalhttps://www.indianmotorcycle.no/
North CarolinaIndian Motorcycle Charlottehttps://indianmotorcyclecharlotte.com/
North CarolinaGarcia Indian Motorcyclehttps://www.garciaindianmotorcycle.com/
North CarolinaBaker American Cycleshttps://www.bakeramericancycle.com/
North CarolinaIndian Motorcycle Greensborohttps://indianmotorcyclegreensboro.com/
North DakotaWheels Inc. http://www.wheels-inc.com/
OhioJohnny K’s Indian Motorcyclehttps://www.johnnykspowersports.com/
OklahomaIndian Motorcycle of Oklahomahttp://www.indianmotorcyclesofoklahoma.com/
PennsylvaniaCosmo’s Indian Motorcyclehttps://www.cosmosindian.com/
PennsylvaniaIndian of Muncy & State Collegehttps://www.indianmotorcycleofcentralpa.com/
ScotlandAlba Customshttps://www.albacustoms.com/
South CarolinaCoastal Indian Motorcycle of Myrtle Beachhttps://coastalindian.com/
South DakotaIndian Motorcycle of Sturgishttps://www.indianmotorcyclesturgis.com/
South DakotaVern Eide Motoplexhttps://www.verneidemotoplex.com/
TennesseeMusic City Indianhttps://www.musiccityindianmotorcycle.com/
TennesseeSloan’s Murfreesborohttps://sloansmotorcycle.com/
TennesseePowersports Crockett Chattanoogahttps://www.crockettpowersports.com/
TexasIndian Motorcycle of El Pasohttp://www.indianmotorcycleofelpaso.com/
VirginiaIndian Motorcycle of Fredericksburghttps://indianbikesva.com/
VirginiaFriendship Motorsportshttps://friendshipmotorsports.com/
VirginiaIndian Motorcycle of Southeastern Virginiahttps://indianmotorcycleofseva.com/
WashingtonIndian Motorcycle of Auburnhttps://indianmotorcycleofauburn.com/
WashingtonNorth Sound Indian http://www.northsoundindianmotorcycle.net/
WisconsinIndian Motorcycle of Madisonhttps://www.indianmotorcycleofmadison.com/
WisconsinIndian Motorcycle of Metro Milwaukeehttps://indianmotorcycleofmetromilwaukee.com/
WisconsinIndian Motorcycle of Racinehttps://rideracine.com/

 

APPLE PIE MOTORCYCLE RIDE IN JULIAN, CALIFORNIA

I’m excited to see California State Route 79 after exiting Interstate 8 because it is the gateway to the historic mountain town Julian, formerly attracting people from all over the country searching for gold during the short-lived Gold Rush era 1869-1870.

Today, most people visit Julian for Apple pie!  Mom’s Pie House is a popular choice to stop for an apple pie. Abby the Bear is standing next to the welcome sign waiting for the opportunity to take a selfie to post on Instagram using hashtag #abbythebearjulian.

There are so many flavor pies made from scratch to choose from and a small ice cream selection as a topping. I chose the traditional apple pie with vanilla ice cream.  APPLE PIE A LA MODE YUMMY!!!!
Apples were introduced to Julian in the 1870s. Apples in Julian are in short supply due to the drought. A lot of orchards are closed for visitors to pick apples in late August during the ripening season. Some of the pie makers in Julian have their own orchards, which are not open to the public. The tourist market pressure for Julian Apple Pies requires pie makers to purchase applies from orchards within and outside California.

Miner’s Diner is another popular spot known for the display of old toys, candy and soda bottles or to grab a burger and old fashioned milkshake.

Julian is a great place to visit for individuals that enjoy history, nature and outdoor activities such as walking, hiking, horseback riding. Perhaps a visit to a few places not too far off the beaten path such as the Oasis Camel Dairy to purchase camel milk soap or a visit to the California Wolf Center to increase awareness of this endangered species or spend the night to stargaze and make a wish on a shooting star.

As I ride my motorcycle on California State Routes 79 and 78, I can’t help but notice dry land and CAL FIRE signage warning of fire danger. Residents of Julian are currently divided about preserving the last historic volunteer fire department in San Diego County. San Diego County cut funding and pulled a paramedic and fire engine after the Julian-Cuyamaca Fire Protection District voted to stay independent. Fire prevention and safety is the responsibility of residents and visitors to preserve the history and culture of Julian during this divisive era.
If you decide to visit Julian, stop by the Chamber of Commerce inside Julian Town Hall for information on apple orchards, historic sites, dining, hiking, camping, wineries, breweries, activities and events.

 

TAIL OF THE DRAGON

The Tail of the Dragon was on my Biker Bucket List since 2005. On Monday, June 27, 2016, I finally build up the courage to slay the Dragon’s 318 curves in 11 miles on the 2016 Indian Roadmaster Motorcycle. 

I had a difficult time falling asleep the night before. I spent most of my time reading news articles on the internet and watching videos trying to prepare myself mentally because I do not like riding through the mountains on roads with twists and turns and the spontaneous reaction of my heart to switchback and hairpin turns and yellow warning signs changing speed limits and pictures of wild animals.

I wake up early ready to conquer my fear of the unknown and to ignore the rumors and myths about the Tail of the Dragon. I stop by the Tree of Shame refusing to leave any motorcycle parts behind with my signature claiming no gain with lots of pain.

I pick up a Dragon Tail Sword to strike before I get on the bike.

The starting point of the Tail of the Dragon is at the Deal Gap Motorcycle Resort in Robbinsville, North Carolina and ends in Tennessee on U.S. Route 129.

I’m so glad I had my sister Porsche Taylor with me to provide positive words of encouragement to accomplish this intimidating goal since she knows I’m not a fan of twisty roads with blind spots.

If the Tail of the Dragon is on your biker bucket list, ride your ride and keep your eyes focused on the road.

CUYAMACA WOODS

It was a motorcycle adventure ride I will never forget. The meet up breakfast spot was Roscoe’s Chicken & Waffles in Long Beach, California at 8:00am. The 8:00am breakfast did not start on time because we were socializing in the parking lot. We finally walk across the street from the parking lot into Roscoe’s for breakfast at approximately 8:30am.  More motorcycle riders arrived after the 8:00am meet up time to order breakfast. Kickstands up did not happen at 9:00am. We finally leave Long Beach around 9:45am.

Traffic is common on the way to San Diego from Los Angeles County and motorcycle riders have the luxury of splitting lanes. Since traffic was heavier than normal, it was decided at a gas stop we would take California State Route 78 to the private lunch location in Julian.

We ride through the historical Julian district deep into the Cuyamaca Woods on California State Route 79. California State Route 79 is known as a challenge for drivers and motorcycle riders between Interstate 8 and Julian. The higher up the mountain we ride, I immediately notice burnt logs and trees in the Cuyamaca Peak mountain range from the 2003 Cedar Fire. I also notice there are no painted road dividers and no guardrails the higher we ride up the mountains. The uneven roads and falling rocks from the mountains makes it unsafe to make a U-turn. The road through the mountain has many twists and turns, a few hairpin and switchback turns making it difficult to see oncoming vehicles and snakes slithering across the road. Yes, snakes!

We arrive to an electric gate to the Cuyamaca Woods private community. Behind the electric gate is a steep driveway entrance leading to a beautiful home with a panoramic and breathtaking view of the mountains, woods and Lake Cuyamaca and a delicious lunch catered by Taco Rehab.

Another great motorcycle ride with good people, pictures to share and stories to tell for a lifetime!

If you decide to visit Cuyamaca Woods, bring a book to share and take a book to inspire the love of reading and book exchanges around the world.

MESH MOTORCYCLE JACKET IS A MUST HAVE IN THE SUMMER

It’s tempting to ride a motorcycle without safety gear when it’s hot.  Mesh jackets are lightweight and breathable to keep your body cool. Mesh jackets do not offer the most protection during a slide, but they are perfect for riding in warm weather.

Here are some features to look for when shopping for a mesh motorcycle jacket:

1. Safety and Protection – some jackets provide removable CE-Certified and PE foam approved armor in the back, chest, shoulders and elbows to protect during an impact on pavement. It’s important to dress for the ride and slide!

2. Comfort – the armor may not work on impact if the jacket does not fit properly to protect you. Make sure the armor does not move around when you try the jacket on for size. The zippers, snaps and straps should prevent the fabric from flapping around in the wind.

3. Visibility reflectors for others to see you riding in the dark.

4. Windproof and Waterproof Full Sleeve Removable Liner – the windproof/waterproof liner is for light rain. Remember to always carry rain gear even in the summer!

5. Pockets for easy access to the items you need such as keys, debit/credit cards, cash, drivers license and registration.

The Indian Motorcycle Springfield Mesh Jacket is made of polyester with perforation to allow air to flow through the front and back. Velcro straps on the sleeves to reduce flapping in the wind on my arms. The CE rated armor on the elbows and shoulders are easy to remove before washing in mild detergent. The expansion panels on the shoulders provides a comfortable ride for any style of handlebars. The reflective stripes light up at night for visibility to allow other motorcycle riders and drivers to see you riding on the road. The two-way zipper option from top or bottom allows for a flayer at the bottom to provide comfort and relief after a ride to eat!

GAS AND GO ON YOUR MOTORCYCE MAY COME WITH A HEFTY PRICE

The convenience of GAS AND GO on a motorcycle may come with a hefty price if you plan to pay with a debit or credit card.

There is usually a very small sign on the gas pump informing customers your debit or credit card may be pre-authorized for an amount more than the purchase price.


Paying directly at the pump can cost you an additional $1.00 to $150.00 plus hold for days after paying for gas to fill up the tank.

It’s not only embarrassing to hear the cashier say “YOUR CARD IS DECLINED” while standing in a long line to make a purchase, it is also frustrating when YOUR MONEY IS ON HOLD!

Let’s not also forget the scam artist that create skimmers to capture your transaction data from the magnetic strip on the back of your credit or debit card after entering your secret pin numbers at the pump to empty your bank account. Lost or stolen debit and credit cards with a chip are easy to use without proof of identity.

Budget smart for your motorcycle ride:

1. Call your bank before you ride to provide dates, states and countries you plan to travel.
2. Pay for your gas inside to avoid a hold on your money.
3. Have cash on hand.
4. Cash is still King.
5. Pay Inside, Gas and Go!

I LEFT MY COWBOY BOOTS IN A SHOE TREE ON THE LONLIEST HIGHWAY IN AMERICA!!!!

I remember like it was yesterday riding an Indian Roadmaster down U.S. Highway 50 through Nevada as the tail gunner for a pack of female motorcycle riders for the Sisters’ Centennial Motorcycle Ride.

I notice a shoe tree to my right while riding west on U.S. Highway 50 on our way to grab a delicious burger at Old Middlegate Station.  The station served as a Pony Express stop in 1860-1861.  The restaurant is a few miles up the road from the shoe tree.

I inform Gin Sheer, Robin Rimsky and a few other female motorcycle riders during lunch I’ve been riding cross country with an old pair of cowboy boots in my saddle bag that I’d like to toss on a the tree since Indian Motorcycles gave me a brand new pair of Redwing Boots to wear as a sponsored motorcycle rider.

We ride our motorcycles back to the shoe tree after lunch so I can toss my cowboy boots in the tree.

Cowboy boots don’t have shoe strings so Lisa Jackson gives me a zip tie to attach the boots together by the pull straps.

I toss my old raggedy Cowboy boots in the shoe tree on the first try!

Mission accomplished…now I ride home to California with a lighter load.