Neato: The Sting

They just don't build customs like this anymore . . .

 

Even the guys that originally built these things, don't build 'em like this anymore.

Stunt Guys . . .

They're hard on brakes, tires, rear fenders . . . and clutches. 

Now THAT'S a Bumper

Bear in The Lodge

This area of the Cheyenne River Valley is where you could still get water in times of drought.  This summer has been extra wet, so all the prairie grasses are untypically green with growth.  It was Crazy Horse who was "wanted for capture" and a small group of lawmen wasted 2 days with no sign of him in this very valley.  It's called Bear in The Lodge . . .

Full Throttle Saloon

Puddle of Mudd (dumb band name I always thought) has a few popular party anthems, and some decent jams.  I dig their tunes - and Wes Scantlin is a very good singer, player and songwriter - but can be a real dork when he's drinkin' . . . and a rap sheet a mile long to prove it.  But ol' Wes and his band were spot on tonite and gave an excellent live performance.  We were all quite impressed . . .

From side stage . . . once they started the show, here came the crowd and it filled up fast.  I'm havin' fun now choking down my roast beef and chuggin' those complimentary Corona Extras (I'll never learn).

After the Mudd . . . it got dark and Foghat banged out their string of hits.  The place was packed with headliner Cheap Trick coming up.  In between the regular "hot chic dance team deal" warmed up the crowd with plenty of flesh, fire and sex (and it was actually pretty awesome) as I was so zoned on all the babes - I forgot to take any pics for you - whoops !   Just tattoo'd on my memory !

You get all the Left, and all the Right, at the Sturgis.

Rockford, Illinois' Finest

Rick's traveling arsenal of axes.....whoa

Some bands aren't very good live - Not the case here . . .

Gilby Clarke jumped on stage for a guest jam session . . .

Robin Zander

One of the best singers in rock, for all these years. 

I wonder if he and Tom still have their XLCHs ?

I didn't get a guitar pick . . . which is pretty miraculous since hundreds get thrown out during every Cheap Trick Show . . . but R.N. made sure I didn't go home empty handed.  Thanks fellas.

 

Ride in the Hills: Spearfish Canyon

I met up with my old friend from town, Keith Olson and his wife and friends - and we took a run thru Spearfish Canyon, Roughlock Falls and Cheyenne Crossing.  A motorcycle mishap jammed traffic for a bit, so I went back and splashed around in the freezing Spearfish Creek - wet boots never felt so good.

I branched off through Lead and then to Deadwood and Jerry Greer's Indian.

 A whole lot of Indians . . . and only 2 Harleys - I was a bit nervous.

 This shop is insane.  Todd said he now has 30+ outside machine shops making parts....

It was a great day for a ride . . . now I need to find Bill again - He's got the Easyriders VIP Cheap Trick Tickets !  Where's he at ????

The Spirit of Sturgis

I went right over to George's pit and he gladly showed me all the tricks to these WRs and KRs we had talked about the day before.  The guy is alright.  Always helping and lending advice to any racer that wants to listen.  But, he might not let all the cats out, since he won going away !

Milwaukee was well represented by Dave Kilkenny and JJ Flattery.  Jordan Baber and his top wrench Terry Baber(the 'ol man) don't miss many races either - especially if it's a Hooligan.  All three like these big, fast tracks.

#35 and #45 had the hottest battles on the track all day . . . and their team-mates !  Slicing and dicing through all the dust and ruts - and rocks ! 

This BSA gets the "best sounding at high rpms" Award in my book . . .

These KRs are the best looking (and sounding) dirt track engines.  Unfortunately nobody showed in this class - so this beautiful KR just ran practice.  I have to say, Brittney and Matt Olsen get a hats off for keeping this track alive (with 2 races per year) - and more riders this year than last - and the stands were full - The 80th Rally is now less than a year away . . . come on out - make plans now.

AMCA Show at The Ironhorse Saloon

 This show is becoming one of the highlights of Rally Week.  Carl Olsen did an excellent job organizing, rounding up bikes, and the field games (slow ride, plank ride, etc.) were crowd pleasers.

 Teens, 20s, 30s, 40s . . . even 70s were well represented. 

 Above: Bill Rodencal's FOUR FIVE . . . You know it's him from 6 miles away due to helmet.

Kevin "Teach" Baas came screamin' in with his stroker knuck - John Graff(Colorado) looks like What the hell . . .?

Carl kept busy directing traffic, then this Sportster came rollin' in - Dude !  My bud from Minnesota - He rode it all the way - Smiling ear to ear !

4 gallon tank and buddy seat helps you keep-on-trucking . . .

This panhead was a favorite - The former AMCA President's ride

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After a delicious lunch - everyone saddled up and rode over to the "Spirit of Sturgis" Half Mile Dirt Track at the old, original fairgrounds location . . . a sea of smoke and solid lifters parade across town - purdy damn neato !