Nationals 2023

Colorado Springs, here we come.. .or went... or ... well.... back and planning for 2024!  Wrote about it a lil here : Colorado Springs on 2 Wheels. 

This is my third Nationals.  El Paso, '18.  Kentucky, '22 and now CO Springs, '23.   I never cease to be amazed at the magnitude of it all ... 2500 - 5000, bikes rolling in, folks everywhere with their cuts on (we can call it that now!). Have to admit it's a rush.  Then, the opportunity to meet up with folks you haven't seen in ages from across the country and.... making some new friends.  It's a huge family

IRON BUTT

I've been planning this for an entire year, right after Kentucky.  I knew I'd be be doing another Iron Butt/FTM, but that'd change up a lil as time went on.  I didn't advertise to many I was going to do it. Most don't seem to want to make the trek to Nationals.  Most of those, don't want to do a 1,000 mile stint in one day. I get it. But for me, it's a test of some sort.  I wasn't able to do it in '19 and '21 due to some issues that kept me from any long distance riding.   So it's a big deal to me personally.  Well, the players would change up as time went on.  Chief and KAL dropped out.  Then, 3Force dropped out.  Dutch and Wingnut are rolling and at the last second, I changed up my plans to ride with them and do the FTM on the way back instead of up that direction, mainly due to weather concerns.  Along the way in Amarillo where we stopped for the night, we'd run into dozens of other CVMA members traveling our way.  The next morning we connected up with Tank, Selfie and LT for a group of 6 headed the final 375 miles.  Both days were a no brainer, relaxing rides.  Shockingly, we stayed dry the entire trip... hell, the ENTIRE trip to and from Hunt County.

Once in CO Springs, it's a blur of back slaps, hugs, greets, events, meets, rides and good times.  Friday would be riding off on 2 laners in the SW of the Springs.  Friday night is Bike Night. Saturday is the meeting, but with the State pic first thing that morning.  Meeting started at 0900, and the fun begins.  Some parts of it brutal, other parts enlightening.  Icing on the cake was getting in the thousands of votes/swipes, with wireless internet causing issues, which meant long lines and wait times. Then, a revote for Treasurer where Wild Bill threw in the towel which was a class act move, since we were all trying to vote.. yet again.  Whew.......

Calm Saturday night, leading up to the ride home Sunday.  Dutch and Wingnut have decided to roll straight home with me 750 miles, at which point I'll break off to do another 250 and complete my FTM.  Sunday would prove to be a brutal one with temps ranging from 50 to 103!   Lets just say....   WATER is your friend!!!   I wrote about it here (  xxx ) , but ...  after staying dry the entire trip and the next 100 miles, my luck would change.  Rain, Hail, high winds ... everything but a tornado!  But by 0100 ...five hours into the final 250 ... I'd pull up home to pull the plug. F'ing exhausting.

Next Year?  Ready!

__________________________________

FTM 2024

Why the CVMA?

 I know I've touched on this subject on this blog.. and my main blog.   But, I can't help but dwell on it as I deal with a situation tonight.  Has my mind spinning around thinking about things.....

As I've said before, I've been riding about forty years.  For the first 25 years or so, I was pretty relaxed about it all.  Went to a few rallies.... lot of bars ...  rode to work... was just .. a bike.  Just a good time.  Hell, during the summers I was usually in shorts and tennis shoes, while on 2 wheels.   Relaxed.

Then around 2009 I got my first 'real' bike.  Got a 2009 Indian Chief Vintage that was just ... different.  It had a soul.  It brought something out of me .. in me.. that I wasn't aware of.  I loved this feeling I had on it; hard to explain.  When I bought that bike, the factory signed me up with the Indian Riders Group.  Still got that membership card somewhere.  But, it meant nothing.  What group?  Where were the meetings?  So, I rode with a small local group of friends ...and I loved it.  

Around 2011 I joined the Iron Indian Riders Association.  Initially, it also meant  'nothing.'  Was just a membership card. I spent a lot of time on a forum learning about the history of the bike... the IIRA...  and realized there was an annual gathering that I popped in on back in 2011.  Then again a few years later.  Began to get a feel for 'who was who' in it .   Soon, had friendships, some of them pretty tight that still exist today. Even started a chapter here in East Texas. I loved the camaraderie but .. something was missing.  I sometimes think it's because it wasn't well organized.  After twenty years in the military, I craved this.

Over the  years I'd become a Life Member of the VFW and American Legion, but hadn't gotten involved.  I was aware they sometimes had riding groups within certain chapters but I never came across any first hand.  So, I never 'connected' at that level.  To this day, I'm not active enough in either, but try to support them monetarily as much as possible, because of the mission they serve for all veterans.

Around 2014/2015, I became aware of the Combat Vets.  Saw a few here and there, but never any large groups.  Had a conversation with one guy and he'd asked me a few questions and I realized I was qualified to join if I chose.  Though I've never 'pulled a trigger' perse', I served in multiple combat areas, multiple conflicts/wars, received combat pay.  Flew on Reconnaissance aircraft while receiving hostile fire.  Flew as a sitting duck with enemy fighters a trigger away from downing our aircraft.  I'd never really thought of myself as a Combat Veteran before that .. at least not in the 'truest sense'... but I was .  I am.  Well, around 2017 I finally made some progress, rode with the local chapter, and the rest as they say ... is history.

Let me stray from the conversation for a short while.  While in the military, I served with a lot of folks.  Not every one of the folks had their shit together.  Not everyone was a 'good' person.  Most were. Most did.  I'm proud to have served with most.  Point being, just because someone wore a uniform, doesn't give them a free pass.  Maybe it's 90%... 95% .. 99% .. .99.9%.... that deserve kudos... but not 100% with anything; it's just a fact.  It's life. Statistically, it's never 100%.  Then, look at my last 24 years in the civilian world.  True of the folks I work with .  Most are really good folks.  I've met some awesome people over the years.  And along the way .. a few pieces of shit.  Fact.  Then look at my time in the IIRA.  Most of the folks were really good people.  But along the way, I've met a few 'winners' (not!) ... that have either moved on or I did.  Fact.  True of those in the Indian Motorcycle world as well at the Harley Davidson world.. .... hell , all manufacturers.  Just because we ride the same brand, doesn't mean we are instant family.  Okay .. enough of that.. back to the story.

Back in '18 I patched in to the CVMA.  I remember that day like it was yesterday.  It was/is a Proud day for me.  But, a conversation this evening got me to thinking about something that has crossed my mind often the last six months.  That question is .. .why did I join?  What was I looking for?  What did I expect to accomplish?   I've got to tell you ...   not what many think.  Was hard for me to come to grips with the fact.  For the most part .. I simply want to ride.  Ride with friends. Ride with my veteran brothers and sisters.  And along the way, if given the opportunity, to help fellow vets along the way.   Now what some may not like or understand .. in that order.  That 'service' part to me, is the last thing on my mind... at least on a daily basis.  I Love to RIDE.  That's the whole point of the CVMA to me.  It's a motorcycle association!  I belong to the VFW and the Legion and lets be honest.  As a whole, they do a LOT more for the veteran community.  Fact.   Now, why do I bring all this up?  Well an incident that happened back in late 2022 got me looking deep inside at my values and why I was doing what I was doing.  Had a coming to Jesus of sorts within myself.  Made a few decisions.  Reminded myself of what was important.   Tonight I was in a discussion with someone that was upset the CVMA didn't do more to help vets.  Wasn't 100% focused on it.  Somehow felt the CVMA was supposed to have some miraculous hand in helping all that needed it.  The person was actually upset non motorcycle riders couldn't be part of it. Wait .. what?  Which part of CVMA did they miss? I'm convinced the person was simply ranting and lost sight of things either due to emotions or alcohol in the moment... but ...  without kicking him in the balls, I wanted to say .... and I did to some point....  I just simply want to Ride. To me, that's the whole point.  

I can sleep at night with that attitude.  Hell, I believe in the last five years in our chapter, I've given more of my own time and funds to fellow veterans, First Responders locally , and other charities, than probably most. Probably more than the chapter itself (not the entity of members).  So, I don't have a problem saying.... Fuck it ..Lets RIDE.   Gotta be honest, I'm tired of the BS. Tired of the drama.  I'm getting too old for this shit.....

One of my buddies said he needed to take some "meds" after that fiasco of a conversation (there were several of us in it).  Me, I told him I was headed to my Blog for some relief from it all.  And it allows me to think things through better sometimes.

Now my concern is ... what to do about the guy that got me to thinking about this all. He want's to bail.  Want's to move on.  My gut tells me not to let him, but it's not my call. I'll reach out tomorrow to see if he's calmed down .. but .. I'm not a social worker here.  I'm not a miracle worker.  I came to the table to have fellow vets to hang with and ride with.  As I said, several of become close friends.  Probably friends for life.  But as I hinted at earlier.  Not all.  A common patch doesn't give anyone a free pass, and all organizations/groups have a few bad apples in the bunch.  Nowadays, I simply try to keep my distance from the few idiots that we come across.  But ...  this guy isn't one of the bad apples.   Sadly, I don't think he was here for the Riding.  I'm not sure he's going to find whatever he's in search of..........here or anywhere else

Tuesday Tip One ride...

Chief and I briefly discussed.. he picked out the destination ....put it out there, but ... no one else joined.  Met up at Valero Lone Oak and we were soon rolling towards Yantis, with Chief in the lead.  Gateway Bar and Grill is just over the bridge and this will be my third time here.  ALWAYS a winner destination.  Three beers between the two of us and we're headed out. Problem is....   black clouds on our way back, so we divert further south, and roll back west towards Emory.   We both love the two lanes so take the long way back via twisties and ...... all in all, a perfect day (and dry!).  Temps were 86 the whole way, and sunshine the first half.   Bring on the riding season!

AR 7-3 Poker Run

Been going up here since '19 for the Steel Horse Rally.   Couple of years ago, we had so many CVMA roll in, they got it sanctioned.  Last year, wasn't.   This years, was.   So, couple of us rolled up to visit our brethren.  

Saw a few folks I know from 7-3, but folks from MS didn't roll in this year.  A few other folks from 23-11 skipped it as well.  When the smoke cleared, Boudreaux, Nance , and myself rode up for the weekend.  Lucy caged up on Friday, but jumped on the bike to had over to the HD dealer.   Picked up a rally shirt at the dealer, dropped a $20 for girl scout cookies from the girls at the entrance, headed over to the CVMA tent to swipe and drop a few $20s for two different raffles.   

We chose not to do the Poker Run this time because we were with some 'civilians' whom didn't really want to do the ride to Mt Magazine (they live in the area), and .. to be honest .. we were throwing back a lot of cold ones.  Still, supported the chapter financially and I feel okay with that.

Hopefully next year, they'll have another event timed with the Steel Horse Rally.  Hopefully that one, we'll ride. Until then!

  

Back in the Saddle .... lunch rides

 Finally, did our first "lunch ride" of the year.  As always, mostly crickets on GIO, but myself, Chief, and Shooter rolled from Lone Oak to Roth's in Wills Point where we met up with Target.   Hadn't been here for four years, so this place looked good.  Food and Service rocked.  Then, three of us saddled back up and took a lil longer way home to to and stretch out the good time.

Two Lane Life.....  love it

23-26 LA / AR / OK get together

I can't shake a certain feeling.   Chapter 23-26 was 'born" from 23-11.  Wouldn't one assume we would be a major supporter of this event?  Last year we had something like 15 or so folks roll in.  This year, was fucking crickets.   Pisses me off.  When Dutch and I rolled in, Viking, Trouble and their daughter welcomed us.   BUT..they are new XFERs to our Chapter; where was eveyone else?  On an addetional positive note, Cheng was inside doing is due diligence.  Big T was on board doing his thing with our NFG Barry Cox whom is about to patch in.. but.. that's it. WTF?  Anybody doing the math here?  Folks.. this shit pisses me off.... okay .. I got it off my chest.

 The event was mentioned via GIO, but it's basally "crickets."   The night before I'm thinking Dutch, myself, Boudreaux and Chief are rolling. Big T is caging and I remember something about Boot's attending Friday evening. Viking mentions weather so may have to cage. With dozens and dozens and dozens of foks in 23-11.. .that's it.  Whatever.   When the sun comes up, Boudreaux and Chief had to canx due to health reasons, so that leaves myself and Dutch to ride in.

So,  0900ish I'm rolling to Lone Oak where I meet up with Dutch topping off tanks.  Then, the two of us take off the long way north of Sulphur Springs find two lanes the 'twisties.'  So about 125 miles become 2.5 hours  and it's worth it.  Nothing but two lanes of awesomeness.. I'll  do this again in a second.  However, half way in, mother nature is threating us with rain and .... we're a lil nervous. As it turns out, we'll get 30 min of misting, but nothing that forces us to don our rain gear!  So, about 2.5 hours later, we pull into 67 Landing, dry!  Chilly .. but dry.  It's been upper 50's the whole time and with the moisture in the air... ... we takes a hit.  But.. 'dry'!

Pull in and we've got a lot of folks already here; many came in Friday for bike night at the HD dealer.   Drop $10 and headed inside with a wrist band.  Live music is playing, auction items are off on the side as a teaser and .... find Big T and Cheng over by the center bar down stairs.  Dutch soon shows up with a burger .. but .. it's not calling my name. So head upstairs where they are serving 'brunch' so ... grab a late breakfast ... and ... Bloody Mary.  Eventually, head out and run into Gus (Marty Gustason).  I knew he was CVMA but it's the first time we've seen each other with our cuts on...  Spend some time catching up and head back downstairs.  Meet up with CrayOn, meet some new folks and.....about 1/2 through the auction Dutch and I are looking at the time thinking....   we're losing daylight and we have 2+ hour ride home.  So, we sneak off and soon on two wheels headed home.  It's now upper 60s, and sunshine; bam!  We take a different route this time mainly on 11 to 19 staying off the Interstate.  It's as nice a ride/road as the one earlier in the day, except that damned sun is in our eyes for about an hour.

  

While rolling through Pittsburg, they have the downtown area blocked off for a Hot Link Festival, and we soon pass a Crawfish Food truck and ... hit the brakes.  Park the bikes, head over for a quick bite. These things are HUGE and .... seasoning is perfect.   Twenty or so minutes later, back on the bikes and rolling; Score!

By the time I roll in it's about 2030 hrs, so makes for an eleven hour day and about 275 miles of two lanes.  I'm beat but was sooooooo worth it.  Until next year.  Hopefully I'll go for the whole weekend next time; just need a kitchen pass

We're here!

Crawfish!

Respect the Cut

I've got a pet peeve. One that bugs the shit out of me.  I've been aware of it over the years, but it's really coming to a head with me, thanks to the BS I got caught up in last year of my own doing.   The Cut (I mean .. the vest).  Some take it serious, most don't.  I mean, many have random patches all over it.  Some treat it like a uniform.  Some prefer a minimalist look.  Some chapters go for a specific layout. Me, it shows who I am.  Every patch on there is sewn on with a 'purpose'; significance.  I'm aware of the importance of that patch and what it stands for.  Out of respect for it, I don't put anything above it.  And of course, no Rocker below it for obvious reasons.   But what really bugs me ... is when folks cage somewhere, then pull it out and put it on, well ... it drives me batshit for some reason.   I remember back in '18 I saw a Life Member with a black Dickey shirt (I think of them as a 'shop shirt').  It had his name and chapter on the front  and a few other things to show all what he belonged to. It was a hot day and he was in shorts, but looked professional.  I knew right there and then I was going to come up with a solution.  

I soon realized he'd got it from the National Store, so I got one.  Then, they came out with additional colors, so I got some. More styles, so I got some.  Few polo shirts with the logo; yep.. got some.  Then throw in the array of tee shirts, short and long sleeved (ant tanks) with soft colors and you realize their is zero excuse to wear the vest in a way that ...   disrespects it.  Yet, I see folks at events State wide, Regionally and Nationally that do just this.  Hey .. I'm just one guy among tens of thousands, so  ... what can I do.  I can look out for myself and my spouse and do it right.   So, when I saw this on social media yesterday, I just had to chime in.

"To all XX members,

Just a reminder that when caging to an event it is preferred that you put it on when you arrive at your destination.  The patch you wear is to be displayed with pride, sitting it against your car seat covers up your colors and is a sign of disrespect.  The proper way is to lay them on an empty seat with the colors facing up.  Respect the patch you wear so others will too.

 Thanks for coming to my Ted Talk. "

I replied "I've never understood bringing a vest when caging....just me I guess

He responded with " in my opinion that is what soft colors( t-shirts,long sleeve shirts) are for."

EXACTLY.  Someone that gets it!  I've also spoke to a regional rep that I know, whom said something similar.  So, I'm not alone.  But damned if it doesn't drive me nutz a lil.  Yesterday, rode out to a chapter event with multiple states attending and saw a few old friends... few fellow chapter members, dozens and dozens of others.  Our newest member that xferrred in was wearing a 'shop shirt' since they'd caged in due to weather.  Looking sharp, along with his family in tow.   All but a few of the other hundred others were in vests. BUT, I soon realized a lot of folks had caged due to weather, or were with RVs in tow so no bike.... (ie .. caged).  But .. they were wearing vests, looking the part.   Kept my opinion to myself, but was remembering the above conversation from literally, the day before.

Many ... too many .... don't show the colors ... the patch .. the cut, the true respect it deserves. But in all fairness, as a whole the direction officially is.... it's not a cut.  It's not 'colors'.   So, how do you hold someone ... all....  accountable for a "vest with a patch on the back?" 

Just thinking .. out loud.

"  

Bitch Slapped ...

 Something humorous about watching somebody get knocked off their lil podium they've created for themselves.  I've been wanting to do it myself since around September/October time frame, but have had to hold off for various reasons.  Then find myself reading some rants by the lil bitch and I'm thinking "who the fuck put you in charge?"  They obviously think they are more important than they actually are and it's a joke to watch.  I discussed the situation with a few others and they all agreed, everyone snickering and shaking their heads.

Well, yesterday the clown goes on one of his rants hijacking a discussion and ...  out of the blue a 'newbie' rips the stool out from beneath him and ...   well... fucking hilarious.   Several other folks jumped in with basically " we don't see a problem here" and the 'newbie' went for the throat and ... mission accomplished.

For now... it's quiet again.  Wonder for .. how long?

MOH Ride 2023

The City of Gainesville, Texas Welcomes Medal of Honor Recipients

Third year now since 2019 doing this ride.  I have a love / hate relationship with it.   First of all, it's awesome to be in the mix with 300-500 other bikes / folks that are supporters of this great event.  A mix of Vets, LEOs, Patriots.  Then the ride to Gainesville, you see hundreds if not thousands of flag waving , Proud folks along the highway .. parking lots .. overpassess waving the Amercian Flag, waving at the participants..... saluting.  Very humble experience.

Washed up Krome for the ride, packed up rain gear, seat, etc....  and ready to roll. Not five minutes down the road when I realize I've got a problem.  ABS light is on, speedometer isn't working, and no cruise control, check engine light is on.  Make a decision to swap bikes over to Krush so head home.  Pull up to to the building and think.. wait.. let me try something.  Turn the bike on / off, all appears good .... is .. so .. head out. Zero issues during the day. Additionally, nothing but sunshine and warm temps!  Thought it'd be a rain day but we lucked out.

To participate we head to south of DFW which .. from Greenville, well... sucks.  Through the Concrete Jungle.  Then, we arrive well before 2pm (closer to 1pm) because they 'close the gates' by 2pm for all.  Then, it's basically 2.5 hours waiting on the black asphalt.  Now, the upside is that's about 3+ hours of visiting with folks you know and making new friends.  CMA provides waters and hot dogs.  Lil shade over in the treeline that most don't utilize.   Several porta potties over on the side.   But basically .... Hurry up and Wait.   Then, when the Medal of Honor Recipients are rolling in on busses , we join in behind them with a police escort right down the interstate. 

Anytime you put 100+ bikes in a line , parading down a road .. you get a slinky effect. Then compound that with a small percentage of folks are just shitty riders.  Then compound that with a few cages that just don't get out of the way.  All they have to do is park it for 10 minutes and we're gone, but they rarely do that... they just cause more issues.  Happens every damned time I'm in a large ride and yesterday was no exception.

That all being said, I had a blast.  Friggn' loved it.  Several CVMA chapters rolled in as always. Saw a few local friends out there.  Lot of VFW and American Legion Rider folks. Patriot Guard is running the show.  CMA folks fully supporting it with their time and money.  Full LEO support with cops everywhere in SUVs and on bikes.  Yep ... in the big picture, it's awesome and I love it.  By next year, I'll have forgotten about that long wait in the sun and be ready to do it again.....

On a positive note, this year I had a big lunch prior.  Brought a small chair to relax on.  Cooler full of iced down waters.  Snacks.  Was prepared and made a huge difference.

Until Next year.... 

God Bless our Medal of Honor Recipients for everything they went through in their miliary lives putting themselves out there to save their fellow men and their Bravery.

Cleaned up , prepped and ready

Met up with Dutch and Vikingr/Trouble at QT

Rolled in to meet up with other CVMA members at Whataburger

Few folks

Line 'em up!

Getting ready to roll out

Got smart this year.. packed a chair

CVMA Present and Accounted for

CMA was out blessing bikes.  Amen

Myself, Dutch and Vikingr

Final stop at One Eyed Jacks on the way home

Bug's Situation

 Deep down, some shit just really bothers me.  I just posted this on GIO and to our sister Chapter

Just a quick update.   

Lucy, Nance, Boudreaux and myself stopped in unannounced to see Carolyn today at the Rock Creek Nursing and Rehabilitation in Sulphur Springs (Room xxx).  The long / short of it she has been in upwards of five facilities the last two month, and on the mend.  She's hoping to be home in a few weeks. Her son is staying at her home taking care of it currently.  Her current situation is she is in the rehabilitation part of getting to walking again, having lost her strength over the last few months.

Regards
Rick

We were at SWG yesterday when I stumbled across this info.  I was like "wait.. what?".   The girls found the tidbit of info on it, where she was and...  I couldn't find anything else about it.  Nothing on GIO.  Nothing on email threads... nothing on FB threads.  To be honest, I was in disbelief.  So, right there and then we began planning for today's trip.   I was adamant I wasn't wearing any colors.  This wasn't about taking a group pic.  This wasn't about some type of promotion.   We were worried about her and headed her way to Sulphur Springs.

Unfortunately we woke her, around 1045 hrs.  She didn't get to sleep until about 0600 but she eventually came around and brushed off the grogginess.  We soon learned that we were the ONLY folks from our association to come see her.  I believe some tried texting or calling to no avail, but no one in person.   I was feeling sick to my stomach over this.   Well, we had a great visitation for upwards of an hour then gave her some space.  Promised her I'd be back later this week with some 'real food' in tow!

On a positive note, this appears to be a nicer facility. Apparently some of the others... not so much.  When she gets home I'm looking forward to cooking her up a nice Juicy burger at her place.  I personally can't imagine being in one of the places a week, much less months.

On a positive note, Bubba and crew checked back with me ASAP, unaware.  My crew .. fucking crickets so far.

UPDATE 28 APR 2023:  Stopped by with some Lasagna from Romas for Bug and some spaghetti for me and got met with good news.  Her son John was helping her pack and they were headed home.  Hmmmm...  Well, asked if he likes Spaghetti, he smiled .. so I handed them their lunch, gave Bug a big hug and kiss, and headed back to Romas for a sit down meal!  LOL  Great news overall.

2019 time frame

Tri State meetup..... 23-26

 I used to get pissy about shit.  Sort of pains me to see this not being advertised correctly.  But hey .. what do I know.  Still had a great time last year and looking forward to this years.

What still sort of pisses me off is ...no one from our Chapter is pushing this. I mean this was our Detachment before they became 23-26..  Oh well. I'll push it to my small cadre of folks and head that way.. but.. in my mind .. this is.. and should be .. a big deal.  Two weeks to go!