"EASY RIDER San Remo, Italy, Jun 17 After dining with friends, Keanu Reeves dodges overeager fans on his motorcycle"

Photo taken from July 7, 2008 People magazine.

My post title quote came directly from their photo.

I first of all must say, I did not even know Keanu was a biker.

Secondly, I think he looks like a total F'n dork in the suit with helmet and bike. Maybe that's why it looks like some of the girls in the back ground are laughing at him.

I know, I know, giddy with exitement. (BARF).

Thirdly.... Don't get me wrong here. I own a Sportster, and love Sportsters, but for a star of his calibur, a "stock" Sporty???? WTF???

I saw this and thought it was interesting.

Just food for thought.

Your speed...

Click on the picture to enlarge it.



Thanks to those of you participated in my scientific study from the "How Fast Did You Say?" post on thursday July 24th!
http://motorcycleviking.blogspot.com/2008/07/how-fast-did-you-say.html

LOL!

how fast did you say?

I need you to tell me how fast is the fastest you have ever driven a motorcycle.

Be honest. No exaggerations.

I'm going to use this in a future post with your permissions of course.
I have my reasons.

Me, 110 MPH (Aprox.) but I'll say 110. I was not clocking myself. Someone else said I was doing that.
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To Mrs. Motorcycle. Disclaimer...If you are reading this, It was a very long time ago, and I NEVER ride like this anymore!

Biker Bracelet

I found this men's biker bracelet in a magazine the other day while getting an oil change. Thought I'd share it. Although, I'm not much of a jewelry wearer myself, I think it's kind of cool.

www.danburymint.com/Detail.aspx?ProductID=7913

What not to wear

Posting this may be controversial, but I gotta speak my mind about my opinions and views.

I hope I don't offend anyone. And if I do offend you, I'm sorry. We all have choices. What you choose, and how you choose to do it is your own deal. I've made my choice. I choose Harley Davidson. Ever since I actually started riding motorcycles, I always wanted a Harley. I know that not everyone does, so bear with me here. But for me anyway, Harley Davidson has always had the look for what bikers ride and look like. I'm not saying that other bikers who don't ride Harley's are not bikers. I'ts like Art. Everyone sees a painting differently, and interprets it differently. I'm just talking about my personal view. Example...When I saw a crotch rocket for the first time as a kid, it was in a race. These to me were racing bikes. To me they didn't fit the image in my minds eye as what I thought bikers looked like. They looked like motorcycle "racers". The term "biker" can mean whatever "you" want it to mean. Again, just what "I" thought.

So when I started riding motorcycles, I obviously couldn't afford a a Harley at 19 years old. I bought a Honda Rebel 250 to learn on. It was cheap, and I thought it kind of resembled the Harleys I loved and admired, and hoped to someday own. I remember when a friend called me and said I saw you riding a Harley the other day, is it yours? I had to tell him it was just a Rebel 250. He was fooled from a distance.

I moved onto other look alikes and always tried to make them look as much like a Harley and sound like one as possible for hopes that at 20 to30 yards away, going down the road, someone would think it was one. This seems to be a pretty big trend in the metric cruiser industry, to make there bikes look and sound as much like Harley Davidson as possible. There are exceptions I know. Riding a "looks like a Harley from a distance" bike worked all fine and dandy for me untill I'd pull up to a stop light, and have a Harley pull up next to me. Then I was brutally reminded how much this was not one, and longed for a Harley even more. I know from speaking to just about everyone I know who owns a Harley, that They have all gone through this phase in the beginning as well.

Remembering the days of when I wanted a Harley, and couldn't afford one is good. It is humbling. It makes me proud to be on the Harley when I ride. It took me a lot to get here.

Back to the days of wanting and not owning. I did own a Harley T-shirt or ten. And yes, being really young, I got asked do you own a Harley? Hell people still ask that today. I had to say "No, but I love them, and want one so bad I can taste it." However, I always made sure not to wear the Harley T-shirt while riding my Honda, because I thought it wa s a FASHION DON'T., and I still feel that way today.

This brings me to my post title: What not to wear..... while riding a motorcycle.

I took a picture of a young biker fellow who has not learned that message.

While riding on a ...Honda Motorcycle....Do not wear...

West Coast Choppers T-shirt with Harley Davidson Boots.

I'ts one thing to wear a black non discreet Harley jacket while riding on a Honda, because you like the jacket, and it's anther thing to wear an obvious product statement such as this West Coast Choppers T-shirt on a competitors brand of bike. Just looks silly to me, don't it?

Biker Joke ....... What's in a name?

A woman scanned the guests at a party and spotted an attractive man standing alone.

She approached him and introduced herself as Carmen.

“That's a beautiful name,” he replied. “Is it a family name?”

“No,” she replied. “I gave it to myself. It reflects the things in life I like most - cars and men.”

“What's your name?” she asked.

He said, “Harley Titsenbeer”. “Nice to meet you”.

Grab it Pack product review

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On Friday, May 9th, 2008, I posted about the Grab-it Pack™. Here is a link to the original post. http://motorcycleviking.blogspot.com/search?q=GRABITPACK
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I said "I'm seriously thinking about getting one."
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Well I did get one.
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So, Here is my product review on the Grab-it Pack™:
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I've been using it for a while now, and I absolutely love it.
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I use it just about everytime I ride. 99% of the time, It's strapped to me.
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It's so comfortable. When I go out for a ride on my motorcycle with it on, I don't hardly even know it's there. Without using any saddle bags, jacket pockets, pants pockets, or other pockets but the Grab-it Pack™ , I'm able to carry Night riding glasses, my wallet, digital camera, cell phone, pocket knife, and room to spare.
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It's lightweight, easy to adjust to fit, easy to put on and take off, durable and water resistant with lots of easy access pockets.
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I do have basicly one issue with the Grab-it Pack™.
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The pocket flaps are a little flimsy, and could maybe use some more velcro.
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So I contacted the company. http://www.grabitpack.com/contact.htm .
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I addressed this with them, and was informed that coming soon they will be selling a newer, more durable version that addresses exactly this issue. I look forward to seeing the new one because I'm 99.9% satisfied with the one I own now.
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Just the other day a friend and myself went out riding. He wanted to try it. I wouldn't even borrow it to him just try on, because I feard he wouldn't give it back. I'll buy the new version when it comes out, and give him my old one. LOL!
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Anyway, if your are into riding motorcycles, bicycles, hiking, fishing, etc., you can't go wrong with a Grab-it Pack™!

The farmer

Non biker, but this video is too good not to share.

Great Italian Motorcycle Police Video

Check out Bikes in the Fast Lane.
Great video of some really cool motorcycle coreography.

http://news.motorbiker.org/blogs.nsf/dx/video-italian-motorcycle-police-display.htm

or see the original video at: http://www.metacafe.com/watch/1497846/great_italian_motorbike_display/

Tech. Tip # 7 ..... Protect your paint.

3M makes a clear film, I'm sure you've all seen it on the leading edge of car hoods, etc. It's commonly referred to as Clear Guard, clear protection film, or Scotchgard™ Paint Protection Film. It is specially designed to be almost invisible, and protects the paint from getting chipped by flying deris such as stones, etc.

Most companies who do mobile decal striping do this service. Contact them in the yellow pages, on-line, or get a hold of your local body shop. I'm sure they can hook you up.

I bring this about, because there are many needs for motorcycles to have the leading edges protected as well. Such as the fronts of gas tanks, frame down tubes, fairings, hard bags, etc.

Heck, there are even specialized do it yourself kits out there for a wide variety of motorcycles. see: http://www.empireclearshield.com/site/1325795/page/667887 . This site has a place where you can find your particular ride, and order a kit made especially for it.

Keep the paint shiny, and keep the shiny side up!

2008 Harley-Davidson FXCWC Softail Rocker C

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My friend, Jeff just went out and bought a Rocker C.

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This red Rocker is a pretty cool ride. We went out on Friday last week and put on a couple hundred miles together. He had no problems keeping up, or cornering with the fat wide tire like He and I had anticipated, except for a couple of turns. I think part of this is just a learning curve with the new bike though. I took him on a ride of many twisting roads, and sharp turns, and was certain every time I looked back that I would find him in my dust, but he was always right on my tail. It's a pretty fancy ride for a stock bike. It has a wide rear tire, cool handlebars, nice long rake, and goes pretty fast. After his breaking in period, when he can really get on it, I'm sure it will really go fast then. There's only two things I'm not a huge fan of; the space between the rear fender and seat bottom is a little bigger than I'm used to looking at, and the stock pipes are super quiet. But I know Jeff. He will change the pipes out eventually. Over all, I have to say this is a very nice motorcycle. I told him he could park it in my garage, and leave the keys, "just in case I needed to move it or something."

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Check out http://www.raptorsandrockets.com/Reviews/2008_Harley-Davidson_fxcwc_Softail_RockerC.htm for a pretty good review of the motorcycle, and quick video.

Noah's Ark 2008 joke

In lieu of Friday 7-11-08's post Noah's Ark Animal Welfare Association, Inc.,
I give you a Noah's Ark Funny, or in this case kinda not so funny!

NOAH’S ARK 2008

In the year 2008, the Lord came unto Noah,
who was now living in the United States , and said: 'Once again, the earth has become wicked and over-populated, and I see the end of all flesh before me. Build another Ark and save two of every living thing along with a few good humans.'He gave Noah the blueprints, saying: 'You have six months to build the Ark before I will start the unending rain for 40 days and 40 nights.'
Six months later, the Lord looked down and saw Noah weeping in his yard - but no Ark.'Noah!' He roared, 'I'm about to start the rain! Where is the Ark ?''Forgive me, Lord,' begged Noah, 'but things have changed.
I needed a building permit.
I've been arguing with the inspector
about the need for a sprinkler system.
My neighbors claim that I've violated the neighborhood zoning laws by building the Ark in my yard and exceeding the height limitations. We had to go to the Development Appeal Board for a decision.
Then the Department of Transportation demanded a bond be posted for the future costs of moving power lines and other overhead obstructions, to clear the passage for the Ark 's move to the sea. I told them that the sea would be coming to us, but they would hear nothing of it.
Getting the wood was another problem.
There's a ban on cutting local trees in order to save the spotted owl. I tried to convince the environmentalists that I needed the wood to save the owls - but no go!

When I started gathering the animals, an animal rights group sued me. They insisted that I was confining wild animals against their will. They argued the accommodations were too restrictive,
and it was cruel and inhumane to put so many animals in a confined space.

Then the EPA ruled that I couldn't build the Ark
until they'd conducted an environmental impact study on your proposed flood.

I'm still trying to resolve a complaint with the Human Rights Commission on how many minorities I'm supposed to hire for my building crew.Immigration and Naturalization are checking the green-card status of most of the people who want to work.
The trade unions say I can't use my sons.
They insist I have to hire only Union workers with Ark-building experience.
To make matters worse, the IRS seized all my assets,
claiming I'm trying to leave the country illegally with endangered species.
So, forgive me, Lord, but it would take at least 10 years for me to finish this Ark. '
Suddenly the skies cleared, the sun began to shine,
and a rainbow stretched across the sky.Noah looked up in wonder and asked,'You mean you're not going to destroy the world?'

'No,' said the Lord.'The government beat me to it.'

Noah's Ark Animal Wellfare Association, Inc.

Remember way back about, Oh, I'd say..... exactly Tuesday, April 8th, 2008 when I posted Do You Feel Like We Do? http://motorcycleviking.blogspot.com/2008/04/do-you-feel-like-we-do.html
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Well the theme of this post was a photograph of a dog with his head sticking out the SUV's window, and the dog was loving life riding in the wind. I figured that particular dog, and most other's who stick out their heads while riding in cars, can surely relate to the way bikers think and feel. There's a burning desire to be in the wind.

Anyway; Via the power of the internet, an organization called Noah's Ark Animal Wellfare Association, Inc., found my picture that I took of this dog, and e-mailed me to ask if they could use my picture for an upcoming newsletter that they were putting together. Of course I said, "Sure". "Use it how you see fit, and thank you for asking!"
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Noah's Ark is a pet rescue organization. I feel strongly about encouraging people to get their pets from places like these. There are millions of animals that need good homes at adoption centers, and using these organizations to find a pet of your own is one way to help the fight against puppy mills. I'm not going to go into detail about how awful puppy mills are. You can find that out on the internet if you wish to.
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As far back as I can remember, every pet my family has ever had since I was a child has been from the humane society, or an animal rescue center of some sort. My wife and I have kept that tradition going. Pet adoption is the way to go. There are even organizations that have specific breeds, if that's what you're into.


Enough preaching.
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Check out my picture in their newletter. The link to the Summer 2008 Newsletter is the one including my photo. You will find it right on the front page! http://noahsarknj.org/ArkNews.asp


I'm proud to associate myself with folks like these. As a matter of fact, one of my best friends in the world, is a regular member, and volunteer at a dog rescue center, and I support him too.

For any local motorcycle riders - (Minnesota, Wisconsin); there is a charity motorcycle ride coming up to benefit the Home For Life Animal Sanctuary. http://www.homeforlife.org/ .
Details are as follows:
The 5th Annual Ride for Their Lives will be at noon on Saturday, August 23. After a delicious free breakfast for pre-registered riders or $5 dollars for non-registered persons no riding. The ride will depart from the Twin Cities Big Ten Tavern 4703 Highway 10 Arden Hills, MN 55112, and will be escorted through the St. Croix Valley and arrive at HFL around noon. (If you want to ride. You must pre-register!!!!) Cold drinks and a complimentary lunch will await all riders at the sanctuary. Drawing for trips and other fun stuff will follow lunch. All bikers participating in the ride will receive a t-shirt and pin. All bikes are welcome! Registration is $25 per rider. Pre-Register here. https://secure.visi.com/homeforlife/rideform.htm . If you aren't planning on riding, the Open House is free and open to the public, but RSVP is required (1-800-252-5918).
Read here for more specific event details: http://www.homeforlife.org/events.htm .

One liner biker wit.

Bikers have more fun than people do!

Twin City Custom Cycles

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Cruising about the other day, I stopped into Twin City Custom Cycles, a local custom motorcycle dealer. Way back in the day when they started out, I stopped in and talked to the owner Art Welch. When he started up this dealership, it was pretty empty. It was just him in there all by himself with a few small scale automatic motorcycles that he was selling. These were, and are still known today as Ridley Motorcycles. (about Ridley) http://www.ridleymotorcycle.com/corporate/index.htm .

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The shop used to be called Twin City Ridley at that time when Art was just getting started. Since then till today, Art has grown this shop into quite a successful business. They now have a mechanic shop for full lines of repairs and accessories, and offer a wide variety of motorcycles for sale, including the Ridleys, which now also have full size stature bikes, and also offer automatic, and non-automatic bikes. (Yeah, you heard me right, fully automatic!) I know they aren't for everyone, but there is a good following of this kind of ride.

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Twin City Custom Cycle is also a dealer for Precision Cycle Works Choppers,

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and Viper Motorcycles,

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and Royal Enfield Motorcycles,

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and quite a few scooters as well.

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Oh, did I mention the full line of motor-clothes and accesories to boot?

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It is quite impressive to see such a wide variety of motorcycles all tricked out under one roof, along with the classics and a line of scooters as well.
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It's great to see a local small dealer turn something like this into such a success!
Keep up the great work Art and the crew at Twin City Custom Cycles!

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If you are interested in checking them out, you can call (651) 765-9988, or go to their website http://www.twincitycustomcycles.com/main.html .

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They are located at the actual street address: 3280 Hwy 61, Vadnais Heights, MN 55110.

Known by most locals as: The corner of Hwy 61 and Buerkle Rd. in White Bear lake, MN.

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All this, and I only stopped in to look for a pair of shades , and I even forgot to get them on my way out..... Damn!

Sturgis store!

HEY, I wanted help spread the word that my friends Beach and Train from http://www.thebeachcruiser.com/blog/, have recently opened up a Sturgis merchandise store. Here, http://www.thebeachcruiser.com/catalog/index.php, you can get top of the line quality authentic Sturgis gear.

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They offer a wide variety of top of the line quality merchandise at a very fair price. I can't buy this kind of stuff at the dealer for less.

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The following is "bits and pieces" from their post on July 4th.

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The Sturgis store is up. The shirts come in all the normal sizes s-xxxl and some in 4x. These are great shirts and the prices are excellent. There are also jackets & other cool items and memoroabilia. The store will be open all year long and there will be new inventory posted often.We are proud of this effort and the goods are first class!!! The prices can’t be beat, the site is secure and everything will be shipped on a timely basis.
Get your stuff here before, during and after the event. Sturgis belongs to everyone in the biker community so: wear something cool that shows you support the GREATEST motorcycle event in the world!!!

Signs, sign, everywhere a sign, blockin out the scenery, breaking my mind, do this don't do that, can't you read the sign?

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Over the 4th of July holiday weekend, I went on a walk with my Mother in law at our family cabin. We spotted a sign that was very funny. It's stuck in my telephone's camera for now. I'll have to get it out and post it at a later time. This brought me to this post about signs. This picture I speak of, It was going to be in this post, but none the less. I'll post without it.

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When we got home from the cabin, I quickly unpacked, and headed out for the open road for a ride on my motorcycle. As I was out, I passed many signs that I've seen and noticed several times before.

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It seems signs fall into three main categories.

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Signs that tell us what we can, or cannot do, such as no tresspassing, posted speed limits, or stop signs, Etc. .

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Signs that mark landmarks, such as street signs.

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Signs that advertize something.

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And while riding on a motorcycle, signs that just plain make us smile, such as Twisty road ahead signs.

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I'll be sure to post more signs that make me smile in the future.

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Ann Nelson from Random Thoughts blog had a great post that included some funny signs from Canada.

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Check these out!http://annnelson.blogspot.com/2008/07/3-reasons-why-i-love-canada.html

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Old small town bar T-shirt

When I was a kid growing up, I lived in a rather small rural town. There were more bars there at one time than you could possibly think is necessary.

Anyway, there was a bar there that no longer exists. Too bad, Cause I'd go and get one of their T-shirts today if I could.

The bar was called ..... The B & D Bar.
Now I'm not sure what B & D actually meant. I'm guessing it was the initials for the owner's.
But we kids all knew it to mean Bikers & Drunks.

Remember being a kid, singing along with the tunes on the radio, and not having the faintest idea what the lyrics really meant half the time, untill you got a litle older?

Well, the B & D Bar had a T-shirt kinda like that. It had a picture of a Booze bottle on the front, and a picture of a poker table and cards on the back. The shirt read.... Liquor in the front, and Poker in the rear at the B & D Bar. What a classic! Wish I owned one! I was too young to get one when the bar was still around. My parents would have killed me.
I know it has no class but I still want it!
I also know I can go on the internet and have one made, or buy someone elses version of this shirt, but to me, it wouldn't be the same. I guess tying it to an old biker bar that I grew up by has some kind of sentimental value to it, if you can put sentiment on crass stuff like this anyway.

Can Am and Piaggio

I was cruising through Mora, MN when a bright yellow Can Am Spyder caught my eye.
It was parked at the end of the driveway for Caswell Cycle for just that purpose.
I was immediately sucked in. I had to do the double take, back up and pull into the drive to get some photos.

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Of course I could not stop here. I have always been curious about these since I first found out about them from Lucky at http://pizzacrusade.blogspot.com/ when he posted on Tuesday March 11th, 2008 his Spotted in the Wild post.

I had to stop in and inqure. I spoke to Ryan, one of the salesmen. He was friendly and courteous to deal with. I had to ask how much the yellow Can Am was going for. He said $16,299.00, and they have a silver one going for $15,900.00. These things area really sweet. Check out the suspensions, etc from the photos. I wouldn't give up my Harley for one, but wouldn't mind having one in addition to the Harley.

While I was inside talking to Ryan and taking photos, as they so graciously let me do (without knowing of my blog, or free advertisement it might bring), I spotted another Moto. of interest. a Piaggio MP3. It's got dual front wheels that tilt simultaneousley, as you steer. It's very stable, and needs no kickstand. It has 3 different models, and the photo you see below of this does also come with a normal sized shorty windshield that only extends up about as far as the tops of the handlebars if you prefer.
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If you are interested in purchasing a Can-Am Spyder, or a Piaggio MP3, or any other sporting equipment/rides, stop by or give the folks at Caswell Cycle a call.

Ryan can be reached at (320) 679-1383, or you can ask for one of the owners, Les & Kaye Caswell. You can even check out their website at www.caswellcycle.com

Got beer? Harley fan? Have I got the Fridge. for you!

A while back, on June 5th, 2008, Questioned
Borrowed from Rick Slark's Keep the rubber side down. http://keeptherubbersidedown.net/2008/06/04/questioned/ was posted on my site.

One of the questions was:

Do people think you are obsessed with motorcycles?

And I answered:

Yep, and damn proud of it. It is part of who I am.

Well, Here's a little proof of that.

I free hand layed out with fine line tape, masked off and custom painted my Garage/Shop beer Fridge.
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Yep, Damn proud to be a biker, and a bit obsessed.