Cycle Connections

Thousands of motorcyclists converged on Gail’s Harley-Davidson in Grandview on Saturday, September 10, to honor the memory of the nearly 3,000 people who were killed in the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, and to show appreciation for veterans and active military, police, and emergency services personnel. The rally started at 9:00 a.m. and featured vendors, children’s activities, pre-registration for the Bikers for Babies RIDE, and displays of Grandview emergency services vehicles as well as vintage and current military vehicles. Visitors to Gail’s enjoyed live music from School of Rock, The Suburbans and Hudson Drive. At about 2:30 p.m., jumpers…

Gates opened at noon on Friday, September 2, for the 41st Annual A.B.A.T.E. of Kansas Labor Day Rally at Lake Perry’s Paradise Point area. The area is located on the east side of the lake far to the north and provides a perfect location with acres of shaded camping. Admission for the weekend was $50 for non-members, $30 for A.B.A.T.E./M.R.O. members, plus $30 for RV’s/Campers/ATV’s. Discounts were offered for active military. At the registration tent there were separate lines for those who had pre-registered and those who had not. Everyone received a packet including a rally booklet, pin, and a…

Even as a seasoned Sturgis rally attendee, I’m always in shock and awe at the number of beautiful and hardworking ladies that travel to Sturgis every year to work as bartenders and food servers.The rally would be much different, or even not possible without them, so this year I did a special pictorial dedicated to the sexy servers of Sturgis.

On Saturday, August 13, 2016, after leaving a memorial ride we had been on earlier, we headed over to the Birmingham, Alabama chapter of the Veteran’s Brotherhood for Chow Call.

It was such a beautiful day as we rolled up for the 10th year memorial ride for one of the sweetest, most loved men we have had the honor of knowing and calling a friend. For 10 years now, Larry “Mad Dog” Rogers has been a VERY missed man.

The Las Vegas Marine Riders Toys for Tots Kickoff Party was held at the Leatherneck Club on June 25, 2016. Marine Riders from California and Arizona, as well as other motorcycle clubs and individuals attended, and even the 105+ degree temperature didn’t deter anyone from attending to the event.

Competitive motorcycle events have always been a part of the annual Sturgis Rally. The man recognized as the father of the Black Hills Rally was Clarence “Pappy” Hoel who owned an Indian Motorcycle dealership in Sturgis and was one of the founding members of the Jackpine Gypsies club in 1936. The Gypsies’ first event was a motorcycle race with nine competitors and a small audience. From that humble beginning grew an annual rally with attendance ranging from 400,000 and 600,000 each year. Motorcycle competition is still featured at the rally with moto-X, drag racing, hill climbs, ½-mile flat track, short…

This year’s Sturgis trip seemed very strange due to the absence of several friends who would be staying home due to various circumstances. Included among them were Editor Mike and Nichole. They were missed by all, but we managed to have a fun trip anyway. The Road Trippin’ to Sturgis article is normally Mike’s work, but I’m doing my best to cover for him while still providing coverage of some racing events at the 76th Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.

 Check out this year's photos of Sturgis bikes.  Watch for more pics to be posted.  Photos by Stripe& Lonnie  

Check out this year's photos of Sturgis bikers.  Watch for more pics to be added. Photos by Stripe  

Check out this year's photos of Sturgis babes.  Watch for more pics to be added.  Photos by Stripe & Lonnie  

The weekend of June 11-12, 2016 saw the return of the MotoAmerica AMA/FIM North American Road Racing Championship, Round 6 of the Honda Superbike Showdown to Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Alabama.

On Saturday, April 23, 2016, the Veterans Brotherhood and chapter “Prez” Charlie, in Birmingham, Alabama played host to the Blessing of the Bikes performed by and benefiting the “Bond Slaves.”

Bikes, Bikes, Bikes! Patriots, Patriots, Patriots! The 22nd Annual Flags Over the Dam Run was held at Hoover Dam on May 29, 20106, and was organized by the Vietnam Veterans/Legacy Vets MC.

Plenty of awards are handed out every year at Bike Week Oklahoma.  The lovely awards presenter was the reigning Miss Sparks America, "Breezy" Morrison.  Our apologies to any we missed with so much activity going on.  Here is a list of the bike show awards for the second weekend.

Each summer bikers from all over convene at Sparks America Campground near the small town of Sparks for Oklahoma Bike Week. The dates for this year’s event were June 16 through 26. Bike Week always features live music on stage every night, bike shows and Woody’s auction of chainsaw artworks and furniture on both Saturdays, and plenty of bike games and people games. Various nights during the week have themes such as Gangster Night, Redneck/White Trash Party, Sports Night, Cartoon Character Night, Roaring 20’s, Movie Star Night, Naughty School Girls, and Freakers’ Ball.

Following the 2016 event, the Consolver family posted the following notification that there will be one more official Ride for Ryan in 2017. “A Final Farewell: It’s been a great 14 years. A tragedy turned into a celebration, community event, and fundraiser to help so many. For those who do not know, Ryan Consolver was 24 years old when he had a tragic motorcycle accident in K.C. The dreaded knock on the door came as his family was getting ready for Church. Plans were to later that day have their annual family reunion. Plans changed. God had something different in…

Blue Springs Harley-Davidson was the location for our first cover bike & cover model search of the riding season, which took place on Thursday, June 9, 2016, and coincided with their monthly bike night.

The Southern Nevada Patriot Guard Riders had a special mission on May 27, 2016. The Nevada State Veterans Memorial was dedicated, and the Southern Nevada Patriot Guard Riders were summoned to form a flag line for the dedication, with 2000+ Patriots in attendance. Most of the audience was filled with active duty personnel and veterans. Veterans from World War II and the present were there.

The 1st Annual Kanaka Hekili MC Poker Run and Keg Party was held on May 28, 2016, where 20+ motorcycle clubs and lots of Independent riders showed up to support the Kanaka Hekili MC First Motorcycle Run! There were 250+ riders!