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One of my favorite albums is from Jim Carroll - and I heard he passed away today at the age of 60. When I attended UNI, my room-mate Doug Wright had all these record albums - and this one totally punk rocked. I had to buy the CD version last year (since my home recorded Maxell UDXLII cassette was shot) I guess Jim was quite a writer, poet and musician - just ask Keith Richards. RIP Jim - you made my life a happier place.
This guy was having too much fun - too bad his machine never did run right . . . in the end, it didn't really matter.

Harley-Davidson built the XLR to be competitive at tracks like Peoria, Ascot and Houston. Unfortunately, the XLR in the hands of the very capable Resweber, never really won all the races it was supposed to win. The motor was 883cc with hot cams, big compression, roller bearings, aluminum rims, struts, motor mounts and factory ported heads. These suckers run hard. But, being a little heavy didn't help matters. This bike was at Springfield, and the proud owner was more than happy to talk about it. Good stuff.
Bart Markel's short rod iron XR was at Springfield. The barrels look like regular iron cylinders with the bases cut off for the shorter rods. A very rare race bike indeed.

This guy from New York stopped by to ask directions from my "Sturgis Landlord" and . . . man was his bike loaded ! Obviously, he had a bed mattress, canteen, tools, all sorts of packs and bags - lots o' stuff. His motorcycle never shut off for the 20 minutes they talked. It's motor running - tick tick tick tick tick tick like a sewing machine. Oil spewing from most of it's gaskets. Steam rolling off. All the way from New York. He gets my respect.
I found this old Custom Chrome box the other day in a pile of parts. That company wasn't bad back in the day - now, I don't know what to think of them - a bunch of junk mostly.
Coming soon: Peoria, Indy, Davenport and Springfield !
They never really did do much with bicycles . . . but, their motorcycles aren't too bad (at least the old ones).

My new buddy Jason, from the great state of Texas, built(and restored) this totally rad ironhead. Many of the parts were from his dad - who bought the stuff back-in-the-day from Arlen himself. Nice job !
She gave me a free, cold one . . .
This guy is one very cool Canadian. He's also quite the horseman - and his kid Daniel builds bitchin' knuckles.I hope to see him again next year . . .
I just heard Billy Lane got sentenced today - Aug. 14th, 2009.
I had almost forgot Samantha Morgan was gone - until I saw this tribute last week. I met her once with Goth Girl in Sturgis at Lavallee & Spina's paint booth, and saw her ride many times. The first time I saw her ride the "Wall of Death", I just couldn't believe her skill. She could ride a motorcycle. We talked for a minute or so . . . but, we kept getting interrupted because everyone knew her, they were friends from all over - a true VIP. When I heard she was sick and had passed - I was taken aback a little - 'cause she seemed so invincible. I saw the "Wall" crew in Davenport this spring - and said hello to Jay . . . (who's had his own bout with health problems). It's a rough life on the road riding the wall - but, they will always be our true heros - in life and in death.
Spina checks out the pool situation at County Line . . . quite refreshing. Just have a seat and a busty babe will swing by and take your drink order - damn !

Stopped in to see Cole and the boys - what a place ! Pre-1929 Harleys, Indians, Popes, Cyclones - totally cool. A very professionally run operation. Museum and collectibles up front - and high end restorations and machine shop in the back. I saw the "Wheels Through Time" rig parked out back and realized - Hey, this is the place they told me about. I could work here !?!?
I think it's been like 38 years Noot has been going to Sturgis. He usually rides straight out - but, when the bikes weren't as good - 2 days was the plan. One year they stopped for gas and some young kid came screamin' up on his Sporty - "Hey, you guys goin' out to the rally?" Can I go with you . . .? Sure kid, go get your stuff. That night they camped and drank whiskey . . . the sun rose - it was time to go. This young dude was still in his tent - so they fired up a bike and he came tumbling out with his pajamas on - huh? WTF? Funny story. I guess they rode lil' harder on day two - and the kid's headlight just kept getting smaller and smaller in the mirrors. See you all at the 69th !