Pinky's Motorcycle Passion
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Posted on Thursday, March 08, 2012 5:49 AM
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Posted on Thursday, March 08, 2012 5:07 AM
 Anyone who knows me, knows how much I love a road trip. It doesn't matter if it's in a car, on a plane, or a boat, Sam I am. And, it most certainly doesn't matter if I'm on a motorcycle, Sam I am. I love to travel. Impromptu trips or well planned trips, it doesn't matter. That's why anyone who knows me also knows that I am in my element, writing a blog while traveling. I was fortunate enough to have an opportunity to go to Daytona Bike Week and I have a husband who loves traveling almost as much. He's asleep, snoring and dreaming of God only knows what while I sit in a hotel room and update you on the first day's ride. I can't say it was uneventful, because rides are always full of eventful happenings and we always meet people along the way who impact us. Plans were to leave Thursday, but because heavy rain was forecasted for Shreveport, we planned to leave a day early (really half a day early). I went to work on Wednesday and at noon was firing up the bike and headed east. I had booked a hotel on hotels.com and easily found one in Hattiesburg, MS, so our destination ride would be 305 miles, 5 hours 11 minutes according to google maps. We know it takes longer to travel on bikes and always plan for 50 miles per hour. And, that's exactly what it was. Six hours later at 6pm we rolled into Hattiesburg. Of course we drove around for 20 minutes trying to find the hotel. That can be aggravating. Tired and worn out from a 3 am start - yes I was up at three am packing and finishing up last minute details for the ride; the bike had to be backed before 7am when I rode to work, so I wouldn't have to go back home and waste time; I knew it was going to be an order pizza in the hotel room kind of night. The trip was mostly unenventful; the first leg was around 125 miles in the seat and our first stop about 50 miles from the state line and Vicksburg, MS. To this day as I ride over that bridge a smile comes across my face. I love bridges and the one in Vicksburg is one of my favorites. We fought a cross wind nearly all the way to the state line, but then things calmed down a bit. We pulled over for a bike broke down, cause that's what we do. They didn't need our help; they had help on the way. Good for them. We passed through Jackson, MS and Jackson is just about my least favorite place in the United States. The roads are horrible and of course, we have memories in Jackson of flat tires, delays and upsets that keeps us out of the area if we can avoid it. I saw the little white airplanes painted on the highway and was reminded of when I rode through there during the Ironbutt and was so tired that I pointed to them to warn riders behind me of an unknown object in the road. LOL. The trip down Hwy 49 was smooth, and as I said except for the delay in finding the EconoLodge, tucked behind a truck stop and hiding from us, it was uneventful. Let's see what day 2 brings. Come back tonight or tomorrow morning to read about our adventures on the USS Alabama, docked in Mobile Bay and a walk on the beach in Panama City. Until then, ride safe, my friends. |
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Mary Baker : Posted on Wednesday, February 08, 2012 8:33 PM
The saga continues: Read "Sunny Daze" the story of a young woman inside a fictional motorcycle club. Read in Pinky's Passion Motorcycle Magazine. Go to http//pinkysmotorcyclepassion.com to get the first issue, or a subscription that will guarantee you won't miss anything. Here's a little teaser from the April issue scheduled to be in circulation March 1st.
"This was the Memphis she had fallen in love with, just over a year ago. Tonight they would drink and have fun at the clubhouse. He had spent his anger and would have nothing but love and kindness and soft touches for her when he took her in his arms later this evening and caressed the scars that he, himself had placed upon her body. He would kiss each bruise and tell her he was sorry, that he didn't mean to hurt her. He would justify it by placing the blame on her, telling her she's got to understand, she's got to do right. And, he would plead with her to sell her motorcycle. That, however, was Sunny's one possession that she would never part with. It was only when she was riding, that she had a carefree existence, that nothing else mattered; she was one with the world. She would try to explain it to him, and he would understand, but he still wouldn't like it. He wanted her on the back of his bike. He wanted her to embrace the position of “Old Lady” and accept that history and unspoken protocol dictated that she act a certain way. Sunny was blazing unchartered territory. She was causing him grief and anguish within the club. But, he loved her. In the only way he knew how, he loved her."
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Posted on Sunday, December 18, 2011 7:30 AM
 On October 30, 2011, Tim and Cindy Butler were in a horrible motorcycle crash. Any time you collide with a pick up truck, the results are going to be nasty, and it was devastating to this couple. A pick up truck turned left in front of them and both were airlifted to Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in Shreveport. Cindy had a collapsed lung among other injuries and spent several days in the hospital. Tim, on the other hand, was not as fortunate. He has severe breaks to several bones and injuries that have left him paralyzed from the waist down. Whether or not this is a permanent condition is yet to be determined. He is struggling through therapy each day to regain strength while his wife sits by his side at the hospital. This family has some long struggles ahead of them, but they can rest assured that the motorcycle community will be right beside them on their journey to recovery. Yesterday, several riders showed their support by coming together in a Poker Run fund raiser to get donations that would assist them with their financial needs. The day was sunny and cold, but it didn't deter the riders who donned their leathers and took to the streets in for this cause. It is well known in the motorcycle community that bikers are a segment of society that takes care of their own -- when one is rowdy or messes up, they will be taken aside and scolded. When one is hurt or injured, likewise, they will be given all the assistance the community can muster. Five locations volunteered to use their place of business for stops along the Poker Run; Coyote's Bar and Grill, the Showdown Saloon, Four Way Country Club, Camp Joy Marina and Our Place Bar and Grill. A great big thank you to each of these biker friendly businesses that support clubs and independents throughout the year. Several individuals and businesses (too many to list), donated money, services or gift certificates for the cause. In the end, the community raised nearly $3,000 for the Butler's. Thank you to everyone who came out and supported this great cause. |
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Posted on Friday, December 09, 2011 5:08 AM
I've been busy and been in a daze as I try to accomplish so much in so little time. Many of my faithful readers know that I'm launching a new motorcycle magazine in February, titled Pinky's Motorcycle Passion. I've been busy taking care of preliminary small business formation requirements, meeting with prospective advertisers, laying out and designing the magazine and learning a new program, Adobe InDesign to use as a platform for the magazine. The business plan and marketing plans are written and I've secured writers for the premiere issue. All this is exciting and a little bit scary, too, since I'm taking a big leap. On top of that, fellow HOG members Tim and Cindy Butler were in a motorcycle accident the end of October and I'm trying to put together a benefit to raise money for them. I'm working with ABATE to promote motorcycle safety and legislation that supports all riders, and I'm working a full time job at Barksdale Air Force Base. Add to that, it's the Christmas season, and I've got shopping to do and gifts to wrap. That's a lot to keep me busy, and I've had to put a couple of things on hold, like writing regular articles for my Examiner column. Those who follow me on Examiner can rest assured, I'll be back. Until then, feel free to peruse the back issues of articles I've written at this link.The magazine layout is awesome, and I'm confident you're going to be thrilled with the final product. I've got a fiction column titled "Sunny Daze" where I'm writing a serial novel in installments. This is the fun part, and I'm elated to be writing biker fiction. I promise you're going to love the characters I've created and will enjoy following them each month. I'll be placing a paypal button on my website page soon so you can pre order the premiere issue, or purchase a subscription. Cost for the magazine will be $5 per issue or $24 for the annual subscription. To start with, the magazine will be published bi-monthly, Feb, Apr, Jun, Aug, Oct and Dec, and plans are to make it a monthly magazine starting in 2013. My website will be redesigned to compliment the magazine. I've still got space for advertisers and welcome your inquiry for pricing information. Contact me at maric12@gmail.com or call 318-588-2567. Starting with the April issue, I'll be including a column for guest writers. Send your 500 word submission to maric12@gmail.com and if printed, you'll win a Pinky's Motorcycle Passion t-shirt. If you live in the Shreveport and Bossier City area, or are willing to travel to the benefit, I'm sure Tim and Cindy will be appreciative. The benefit is a poker run that will be held on December 17th. For details click this link. Now that you're updated and know what I've been up to, I'd like to take the time to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Ride safe and have fun! Pinky |
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Posted on Thursday, November 03, 2011 5:21 PM
Veteran's Day is a time to be thankful to all the veterans who have proudly served our great country. Every year, the Veteran's Day Biker Event (previously referred to as Vets for Vets) takes place in Shreveport. Once again this year, the location will be Riverpark Church, or the old Hammel's Park location. This all day event is family friendly and includes vendors, food, live music, a 50/50 drawing, proclamation speaker, a silent auction, bike show, bike games, a car show and shine, and the much anticipated motorcycle freedom ride parade. The gates open at 9 am and entry is $25, and all proceeds go to help our veterans. This years Freedom ride parade is dedicated to SSgt Michael J. Garcia and family. For more information contact: Theresa Sullivan at 318-564-2765
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Posted on Friday, October 21, 2011 5:03 AM
 On-line registration for the fifth annual Run with the Nuns is now closed, but walk-up registration is available Saturday morning beginning at 8 am. Come and bring your unwrapped, new toy to give to BACA (Bikers Against Child Abuse). BACA members are collecting new toys to give to needy children and are asking for your participation. Toys will be collected by BACA at RWTN.Remember that RWTN V is a two-day event this year! Join us in the 600 block ofTexas Street on Friday, October 21 at 5:30pm for the giant outdoor screening of Wild Hogs. Enjoy the Robinson Film Center beer garden, food, games, and more. Be considering the amount of your wager on the first ever-and-maybe-annual ZOMBIE RACE. Be thrilled as the zombies stagger down Texas, shedding body parts. The movie will show a little after 7, but the fun continues at 9 pm as the after-party moves down to Fatty Arbuckle’s in the Red River District for drink specials and music by Daniel Smalley and Friends. Please remember , Lifeshare will have their mobile unit on site from 9am – 1pm. Walk-ins are welcomed but we would like to know if you plan on giving blood. Please email mlowe@lifeshare.org or call 318-673-1533. We’ll be there Friday and Saturday, we hope you will, too. For more information, go to: www.runwiththenuns.com |
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Posted on Tuesday, October 11, 2011 6:24 PM
HB 167 failed in House, but the fight against right of way violations not over
On Oct 14, 2007, Amy Pickholtz was on the back of her motorcycle with her husband, Jim, at the helm. They were hit by a motorist and Jim didn't survive the crash. The motorist failed to yield. It has been a long and arduous road to recovery for Amy, and she memorializes Jim every day as she fights at the capitol for stronger penalties for right of way violations. Read about Amy's ordeal and healing on the 3H foundation web site. Amy wrote "Right of Way Violations claim the lives of hundreds of Motorcyclists, Pedestrians and Bicyclists, with little to no legal repercussions to the driver causing the crash. This past legislative session HB167 would have strengthened the penalties to ALL Right of Way Violations causing serious injury or death. HB167 appeared to be heading for passage with strong numbers in favor, until it was defeated in the second vote because of pressure of Paid Lobbyists representing the Louisiana District Attorney’s Association. The following Legislators were coerced to change their vote, choosing to side with the District Attorneys and not with their constituents." Amy urges her fellow citizens to "please contact them to ask them why they do not support the rights of Motorcyclists, Pedestrians and Bicyclists." She further says "Please consider who you vote for this election to represent you.
Moon's is a well kept secret, off the beaten path, where the locals eat, and that's what makes it a desirable ride. Take scenic hwy 79/Homer road through Homer. "Go to the stop light and take a left; when the road ends, take a right and go down a piece (now, it's down a piece, you understand)", the local told me when I stopped to ask for directions. A piece is about 4 miles (if I had to guess), for those of us who rely on GPS, maps and odometers. Address: 6979 Highway 9, Homer, LA 71040 (Between Homer and Summerfield)
Address: 6979 Highway 9, Homer, LA 71040 (Between Homer and Summerfield). The ride is about 60 miles, and takes about an hour and 10 minutes. Click here for google map directions from Shreveport.
The following House Members voted against HB 167:James Armes, District 30; H. Bernard LeBas, District 38; Nick Lorusso, District 94; Robert Johnson, District 28; Jeffrey J. Arnold, District 103; Jack Montoucet, District 42; Regina Ashford Barrow, District 29; Barbara Norton, District 3; Robert Billiot, District 83; Patricia Smith, District 67; Richie Burford, District 7; Karen Gaudet St. Germain, District 60; Tin Burns, District 89; Ledricka Thierry, District 40; Simone Champagne, District 49.The following House Members were Absent for Both Votes:Billy R. Chandler, District 22; John F. “Andy” Anders, District 21; John Bel Edwards, District 72; Greg Cromer, District 90; Franklin Foil, District 70; Joel Robideaux, District 45; A.B. Franklin, District 34; Girod Jackson III, District 87The following House Members Voted Yea on First Vote, Absent for Second Vote“Truck” Gisclair, District 54; Ricky Hardy, District 44; Joe Harrison, District 51; Chris Hazel, District 27; Dorothy Sue Hill, District 32; Frank Hoffmann, District 15; Dalton Honore, District 63 As a motorcycle rider, and a citizen of the state of Louisiana, you can make a difference by making your voice heard, getting this bill passed, and making our roads safer for all. Won't you take just one minute to make that phone call or send that email or letter to those who failed to pass HB 167? Find your representative at the Find your representative at the Louisiana website.
Open Letter to:
E. Pete Adams, Executive Director Louisiana District Attorneys Association 1645 Nicholson Dr. Baton Rouge, La. 70802
Mr. Adams,
This past Legislative session proved to be extremely disappointing to constituents in several Districts of our State, due to the intrusive manipulation of your office in reference to HB167, intended to amend All 13 failure to yield right of way traffic violations in statute 32 to reflect the same penalties as The Pickholtz Act 981, which passed with majority favor by Representatives and Senators in 2010. With amendments being adopted unanimously by the House Transportation Committee prior to the first vote, HB167 was certain to pass on the floor had Governor Jindal not called many Representatives off the floor for a special meeting. It was only afterwards, recognizing the partiality of HB167, that you intervened.
Louisiana was at the forefront of Legislation in 2010 with The Pickholtz Act,. The Nation noticed through the American Motorcycle Association’s support and coverage of The Pickholtz Act (falling under the guise of the AMA’s Justice for All Campaign), that Louisiana was willing to adopt stiffer penalties, having an impact on the prosecution of cases involving serious injury or death to motorcycle riders, pedestrians, and bicyclists, particularly. It is only due to oversight last session that ALL Right of Way Violations were not amended in The Pickholtz Act. The purpose of HB167 was to correct that unfortunate oversight. It was with no interference or difficulty that The Pickholtz Act passed in 2010, so it is questionable as to why HB167 was targeted this session to fail, even though amendments to the penalties could be offered to assist the District Attorney‘s with prosecuting these offenses without the use of a jury. The inexcusable interference of the District Attorney’s Association undermines our entire legislative process. Some legislators vying for re-election this year have disregarded the responsibility of their office and to their constituents by succumbing to the preference of the District Attorney’s Association-- those responsible for prosecuting the Laws, not making them. These Representatives may possibly jeopardize their own positions by supporting yours:
Armes District 30, Arnold District 103, Barrow District 29, Billiot District 83, Burford District 7, T. Burns District 89, Champagne District 49, Chandler District 22, Edwards District 72, Foil District 70, Franklin District 34, G. Jackson District 87, Gisclair District 54, Harrison District 51, Hazel District 27, Hill District 32, Hoffmann District 15, Honore District 63, LeBas District 38, Lorusso District 94, Johnson, District 28, Montoucet District 42, Norton District 3, P. Smith District 67, St. Germain District 60, Theirry District 40,
All these Representatives either switched their vote from Yea to Nay after heeding to the pressure of the District Attorney’s Association, or were absent for the first vote, then voted against HB167. Not surprisingly, a third of the 36 Representatives who switched their vote from Yea to Nay are Lawyers, although many are not included in this list, since they will maintain their positions without opposition this election.
It is my intention to continue to work through the legislative process with legislators who truly maintain the interest of their constituents and regard for their office. I might remind you that MADD started with a mother who challenged the legal system and made great strides in changing Laws in our Country. I might also remind you, as you probably well know, that here in Louisiana we prosecute those who litter, and those who steal crawfish or alligators more severely than we do those who kill people on our roadways.
With regards, and in memory of my husband Jim I remain,
Amy Pickholtz
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Posted on Wednesday, October 05, 2011 5:49 AM
 The annual event, the Boo Benefit, will take place in Jefferson, Texas this weekend. Just 55 miles from Shreveport, the town of Jefferson is a popular destination year round, but many bikers in the area, anticipate the Boo Benefit all year. The Boo Benefit is centered at downtown Jefferson, along its cobblestone streets. Expect thousands of motorcycles to roll into the area this weekend for a good time while raising money for a great cause. Estimates for attendace is 40,000. It's not often that one gets to see that many bikes at an event so close to home. The event was started in 1998 by some friends of Charles "Boo" Chaler, who was burned in a welding accident on over 95% of his body. It was held while Boo was still in the Burn Center at LSU Burn Unit in Shreveport. All proceeds from the first event were given to Boo and his wife, who donated it to the Percy Johnson Burn Foundation. Since 1998 Boo and some of the same friends involved in the first event continue to organize an annual event to support both the Percy Johnson Burn Foundation and the Shriner's Children's Burn Hospital in Galveston, TX. A good portion of the funds raised support the free week long summer camp, Camp I'm Still Me, for children and adolescent burn survivors, held in Scottsville, TX. In 2003, the Percy Johnson Burn Foundation founded the Chaler-Rods House, which provides housing for out of town families of burn survivors during their hospitalization. The Boo Run donations also help support the Chaler-Rods House which operates with charitable donations and fund raisers. The Burn Foundation does not receive federal, state, or city funds.
This year events include a ride with Boo (limited to the first 200 bikes) on Friday, a meet and greet with Boo on Saturday, and a Biker's Ball Friday night. But that's not all. There will be a bike show, poker run, tattoo contest, karaoke contest, bike games, raffles, auction, and plenty of good food, vendors and music. And, as always, the biker friendly town of Jefferson will open its doors with their typical hospitality for this event. Don't miss a trip to Auntie Skinner's for great food, music and fun, a trip to the General Store for ice cream. Stroll along the shops in Jefferson where you'll find an abundance of antiques and unique gift items. And, be sure to get in some of the great riding in the area. A trip to the dam at Lake o' the Pines is a scenic ride and a trip to Uncertain Tavern and the Lighthouse Bar and Grill in Uncertain, TX is a must while in the area.
Pre registration for the Boo Benefit is over, but you can register on site for $20 which includes all of the activities all weekend (except for Biker Ball). Activities include: poker run, bike show, bike games, cruisin w/boo, auntie skinners, and etc. You will be able to buy t-shirts and pins separately. |
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Posted on Tuesday, September 13, 2011 4:55 PM
 With last week's temperatures dipping into the low 50's at night and only rising to the mid 80's in the afternoon, combined with low humidity, I began to think I was back in Sturgis or that fall was coming to the Ark-La-Tex. But, Mother Nature can be cruel and this week the soaring temperatures are back. Today, Shreveport hit a high of 107; yes that's a record! The normal high temperature for today is just 90 with a normal low of 67, and the record we broke was 1980's 102 degrees. I'd say we blew that record out of the water! Nonetheless, I saddled up this morning under the returned humid conditions, and enjoyed my ride to work. I've got to say, it was hard to enjoy the ride home when it was 105 degrees, but riding in extreme temperatures is better than not riding at all. And, it certainly won't be long before the cool temperatures will be here for good and I'm quite sure when January and February roll around, I'll be whining about the cold. But, I'll still be riding! Will you? |
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