Art sale at RenoHD

Hey everyone we've decided that it's time to change some of the decor around the dealership and in the next few months you'll be seeing a lot of changes. The first step; however, is that the fine art prints that you've seen hanging on our walls, in our offices, and at our Silver Legacy location are all on sale immediately. These are prints and paintings done by some of the motorcycling world's finest artists such as Scott Jacobs. Some of these works were originally valued as high as $2000 and are on sale for as little as $300-400. All sales will be final and due to the nature of the sale we will only be accepting cash or check for these great pieces of art. So come by and take a look around for a painting that either suits your fancy or that of someone special on your Christmas list.

Let's "Face" It...

...I made a big mistake letting certain people know I write a blog.  Now, since I filed for divorce it's become a window into my private life for people I want nothing to do with.  There's one guy and his wife in particular who check my blog more often than they pee I think; it's just unreal.  I've been thinking for a while about how I can shut these jackhole voyeurs out - which isn't easy to do when you're posting on the Internet.  Then, I noticed when I said I'd have more on Susan's daughter's wedding in a later post, these nosebags have been checking back fanatically for it to appear.  Well guess what folks...you ain't gonna get to see a Goddamned thing.

I've had a Facebook page for a while that I've never used, and I think it's past time I did.  At least I can restrict it so only those I add as friends can view what I post.  So, that's where I'm going to put the wedding photos, and from now on, anything else I don't want these online stalkers to know about.  I'm also going to restrict this blog to listed readers only soon.  So, if you want to stay in the loop, send me a friend request on Facebook HERE.  I know many of you already have your own pages, so this shouldn't be a big deal.  Anyone who I don't recognize or cannot 100% verify will not be added.

So, here's my final shout-out to Haverhill, Norwell, Braintree (and Boston when you're at work), Rockland, etc, you know who you are.....   

                                    ......Pucker UP!!!!

Disclaimer: This is NOT my ass. Susan would be really mad with me if I put a photo of my own bare ass online. It's a random "moon shot" I found in a Google search. There was no intent to mislead...sorry KT DID!!!

Extended Warranty Offer on new Harley-Davidsons®

For a limited time, customers will receive an extended warranty on new, previously untitled 2009MY and 2010MY Harley-Davidson^® motorcycles purchased and delivered November 20, 2009 through March 16, 2010 at no additional cost. Eligible motorcycles sold during this timeframe will have the manufacturer’s limited warranty coverage extended through April 2, 2012. The extended manufacturer’s warranty will also apply to street legal Genuine Motor Parts™ and Genuine Motor Accessories™ installed by the dealer on a Harley-Davidson motorcycle prior to retail delivery.

A "Scary" Night at the BY

I just got back from Aruba where Susan's oldest daughter was married in a lovely ceremony on the beach.  More on that to come in another post.

For now I'm going back for a look at our evening celebrating Halloween at the Boneyard's costume party.

Here's Justine with a ghoulishly good make-up job behind the bar.

Krazy Karl as Spongebob in his Fruit of the Looms.

Jackson is not your average box of Kleenex....

Jackson and Wingman with Tina, aka the "Head Nurse"

Deb doing her Sister Act.

Linda had the night off from behind the bar and was able to join the party.  Shirley Temple never looked like this!

"Get thee to a Nunnery...."

Michele and Susan as Police Women...Susan opted to leave the hat behind.

I've never been arrested in my life, but I'll be her prisoner anytime.  Although our store-bought costumes didn't earn us Best Costumes, we did get a $20 gift card!

Somebody tell Dr. Andy Wingman you're supposed to use the stethoscope to check for a heartbeat...

"...just close your eyes and I'll tell you a story...it has a very happy ending..."

I guess Jax just has a thing for lady cops...

I keep trying to tell him he looks much better with his tongue IN!

"...Walk-like-an-E-gyp-tian..."

Susan and Shelly - as the Red Devil.  It must be noted that Shelly is the real deal.  On many a damp, cold afternoon or evening at the BY, the only bike out front is hers.  Nothing bothers her; she just puts her leathers on and goes.

Karl's wife Amy and Officer Michele.

"Adam and Eve"...actually I have no idea who these two are, but I do believe they won one of the prizes for best costumes.

Dave and Wendy.  "Bless me Father, for I have sinned..."

I wish he still had the mask on, but a few of the evening's funnier moments involved Mark, the guy on the right.  He doesn't ride, but he hangs at the bar frequently, and is actually an excellent Karaoke singer.  When I first got there he still had the mask on, so you couldn't see his face at all, but it's not like there's anyone else around who's that big.  He says to me, "Hey...Joker!  It's me...Mark!"  I was like, "No shit?  I never would've recognized you!"  I guess he'd done the same with a bunch of the others, so it was sort of a running joke.

Mark also won a Best Costume prize, at which time Jackson, in his own inimitable style yelled out, "Hey...give me back my bike cover, will ya!"  Luckily, Mark has a good sense of humor, and is well-used to Jackson's particular brand of wit.

Jackson's daughter Kate, her boyfriend Josh, and Linda. Josh's father is New England Patriots Running Back Coach Ivan Fears. Note the tags on his costume..."Porn Star Hugh G. Rection" and "I do all my own stunts." I point that out only because for some strange reason, people don't seem to notice much else when Linda is in the picture...

Yes, of course we did some shots!

Maybe Tina did too many...Anybody in here feel a draft???

It was a really fun evening.  I haven't dressed up for Halloween in years, so it was pretty cool.  It was nearly a disaster though.  I had ordered my costume online and paid an extra 10 bucks for rush shipping to get it on time, but when Saturday the 31st came, it hadn't shown up.  When I called, they apologized and said it had never been shipped.  Thinking I was screwed, I told Susan my plan to 'surprise' her by dressing up as an inmate to compliment her cop outfit was ruined.  That's when she went down cellar and produced the very costume I had tried to buy!  I got a full refund on my credit card, and it was all good.

Next time, I think I'll check with her FIRST....

The 2010 FLTRX

The Road Glide Custom® is a tougher, lower vision of the shark-nose Harley-Davidson® classic, with a big 18-inch front wheel, a 2-into-1 exhaust, and a smooth tail light assembly. This bagger rolls with new swagger. The innovative Harley-Davidson Touring chassis is based on a single-spar, rigid backbone frame and a stout swingarm developed to withstand the demands of long-haul touring riders and today's more-powerful engines.

Features:

* New 2-1 Exhaust
* Integrated Fairing Storage – Two compartments for
* storage integrated into the fairing.
* Floorboards – Rider floorboards with Street Glide® style as well as passenger pegs.
* One-piece, Two-up Seat – One-piece Road King® classic seat for long-haul comfort for rider and passenger alike.
* Color-Matched Saddlebags – Hard, roomy, color-matched saddlebags with color-matched latches.
* New Rear Taillight – new custom rear taillight and fascia blend with the shorty windshield and low suspension to enhance the overall slammed design.
* New Helical Cut 5th Gear – 6-speed Cruise Drivetm transmission with a helical-cut 5th gear for improved transmission sound.
* Shorty Wind Deflector – Dark Shorty wind deflector with an all new angle.

“I recently replaced my 2003 FLTR with a 2010 FLTRX. Holy *#%$! This is without a doubt the finest Harley I have EVER ridden. The new frame is incredibly stable and responsive and has no hint of the "Bagger Wobble" which has sometimes afflicted earlier Touring bikes when used "in anger". The new frame has holds its line even when encountering nasty, mid-turn bumps and the ABS brakes allow me ride with the confidence that I can get maximum stopping power without losing control. The new 18" front wheel and styling cues taken from the Street Glide make it as beautiful to look at as it is to ride. All this helps when chasing Sean because he's already on the "new frame" and hasn't seemed to figure out that the throttle goes both ways. I'd strongly encourage everyone to come test ride the new FLTRX®; it is one BAD ASS motorcyle. But be ready to buy one. They are in stock and you won't be able to resist.”

- Brett Gundle Assistant sales manager Reno Harley-Davidson/Buell

Dead Corn

I was riding a favorite backroad of mine a while ago when I noticed the dead corn.  Something said stop and take a picture.  I wasn't in a hurry, so I did.  I guess you could say I was in one of my "fall moods" that day, enjoying my ride, yet thinking there won't be too many more before the snow comes.

There was something about that dead corn that made me think of winter's onset even more than all the falling leaves.  I rode by this corn row many times in the spring and summer, watching it grow tall and green.  Seems like a long time ago.

I noticed much on this solo ride.  It's amazing how different it is when you're alone on the road, especially since I'm used to riding in a pack most of the time.

I go by these spots almost every day, but for some reason they were more worthy of my attention this time.  An old barbed wire fence, once probably important to keep people out and maybe animals in.  Now it's food for rust, and maybe in this case, a little food for thought.

This old tree's been guarding that fence line since before I was even thought of, and it will likely still be there long after I'm dust.  Is it a maple or an oak maybe?  I'm not much for Dendrology.

Of all the things that made me pull over that day, this is probably my favorite.  An old cornerstone by a crumbling rock wall.  Makes me think of the Frost poem Mending Wall.  Was it the cornerstone for an old barn, long since fallen and rotted?  Or, does it simply mark the end of the wall and maybe the corner of the property?  There was nobody around to ask...but I bet that old tree knows.

This is a beautiful spot in the early dawn, or on a clear night at dusk, and I've seen deer out by the tree line.  On a spring day under a bright sun this place appears vibrant, full of promise, but on the day I recently stood here it seemed very lonely.  Who built the wall I wondered?  What was here so long ago, and why isn''t the land used now?  Lots of questions.  No answers.  Much left to the imagination.

I rode away and cherished every minute of the rest of my fall day's journey.  You have to once the corn is dead. 

Christmas is For Kids Ride

Blackstone's 16th Annual Ride to Benefit the Attleboro Area Council For Children's "Christmas is For Kids."  Gary O. and Jackson:  Road Captains

I got to the North Attleboro Elks at a little after 9 yesterday morning to help set up tables and chairs for the meal after the ride.  Looking at my bike against the fall backdrop was another reminder that there won't be too many more rides after this one.  As much as I love doing this ride, it's bittersweet because it is always our last "big" ride of the season.

After getting set up at the Elks, we rode down to our sponsoring dealership, Precision Harley-Davidson, of Pawtucket, Rhode Island, to line up.

Santa arrives and greets members near the registration table.  To his right are Ed Blair, Krazy Karl, and his wife, Amy.

Krazy Karl is Wendy's "little" brother, and this is his ride, the 1950 Pan that belonged to their father. Karl has since changed a few things of course. It's hard to get a picture of this bike because every time he shows up on it, people just circle around it checking it out. I'm sure Big D will get some drool going over this!

                           
Funny story about this bike. A few years back Karl was up in Laconia, and of course it was raining like it almost always does every year up there. He had different pipes that had bigger, wider tips and still swept up the way you see them now. Some guy stops and stands behind the bike watching Karl trying to kick her over and Karl says, "I wouldn't stand there if I were you."
 

The guy looks at Karl and says, "Fuck you...I'll stand where I please."  Karl just smiles and says, "Ok, whatever," and kicks the bike over again.  When the bike started, a projectile line of black oil and water spew shot out of his pipes and covered the guy who was standing there.  According to Karl his face and shirt were soaked black and the guy was madder than a bobcat caught in a pissfire!  Oh, would I have LOVED to have been there to see that!

Santa at the head of the line up getting ready to go.  The lime green things you see are safety vests for all the Road Captains.  We start at the front of the ride because we have to block, and then we end up in the back.

From the Attleboro Sun-Chronicle.  Santa, aka Howard Bristow, leading the ride down South Main Street in Attleboro.  For the online article, click HERE.

The parking lot at the Elks after the ride.  I know it's hard to tell from the picture, but we had a total of 205 bikes for this run, and decent weather to boot.

Inside the Elks hall where riders enjoyed a hot pasta dinner with bread and salad for a donation of $10 or an unwrapped toy.  We collected 12 big bags full of toys and made a donation in the amount of $1,400.00 for the kids.

Santa greets riders as they head to the bar for a cold one.

Wendy and Jackson enjoying a few beers after lunch.

This guy's shirt says it all.  I know I put a lot up here about us down at the Boneyard horsing around, drinking, etc, but there's more to what we do than that.

I've been part of runs to benefit breast cancer, muscular dystrophy, disabled American veterans, and a host of other worthy causes in the 2+ years I've been riding with Blackstone.  But this ride is the most important one in my opinion because it helps local kids that have very little.  I know there may be a few jackasses out there waiting to fire "Yeah, well what about YOUR OWN kids," at me.  Some people seem to think because things didn't work out between my wife and I that I don't care about my kids, and that's crap.  I provide daycare for them every day so she can keep her job.  I help them with their homework.  I always hug them and remind them I love them and will always be there for them.  They will have a great Christmas this year.

But these kids we helped on this ride have very little or nothing, whether it's a divorce, low income, or who knows what.  The point is that on this day 205 bikers came together and did what they could to make sure that these kids have something to open on Christmas morning.

Susan and I were proud to be two of them.

"Always a Good Time With Blackstone"