Sturgis 2008

Hey,
Strurgis is about to begin.This rally is the arguably most important, most revered in this country.Things will be interesting as the U.S.A. is experiencing some tough economic times. No matter, the show goes on. Train and I are disappointed that we can’t make it due to injury. I have a torn retina which is about to detach if I don’t treat it immediately. I have to have surgery on my eye this week so things won’t get worse and make the situation worse. We have Emory Eyecare here which is world famous as a top eye hospital.I’ll be fine but it threw a monkey wrench in our plans.We love Sturgis. We love the opportunity to see our friends, make new ones, attend the many outstanding events and ride the gorgeous Black Hills of South Dakota.It’s a bummer for us but we will be at Las Vegas Bikefest in October which is another world class event.
This year,Dave Perewitz the “King Of Flames” will be having a show at the Thunderdome. We love Dave,Susan,Jody, the whole family and Dave is simply one of the all time greats. Michael Lichter the dean of motorcycle photography is having an exhibition of his work. We saw his show last year and it was great. There is the AMD world championship of bike builders which is a can’t miss event. There will be the Builders Breakfast. This event gives us a chance to meet and talk with over 20 of the best builder’s in the industry as well as people like Dave Nicholls of V-Twin, Sarah Liberte(photographer and builder), and other industry icons as well. The event supports the Make a Wish Foundation which is a charity for seriously ill kids. The money we raise gives them the opportunity to enjoy their fantasy’s while they can.There is the ride for Breast Cancer Awareness featuring our friend Brenda Fox which raises money to further research on this all to common problem. There will be a ride to aid the Scottish Rite Children’s Hospital and the winner of the raffle will get to ride a new Big Dog Bike along with a number of kick ass builders and enthusiasts.There is a motorcycle built by Sucker Punch Sally’s which will be auctioned away.There will be some awesome music featuring people like Kiss, Kenny Chesney and John Fogerty the legendary lead of Credence Clearwater Revival. This is one of my favorite all time bands and John has had a very successful solo career.
Last, there is the opportunity to enjoy Sturgis, Deadwood, Spearfish,Rapid city and the beautiful Black Hills. We musn’t forget the Top Fifty park, the Broken Spoke Saloon all the vendors, the refreshments( yep, that too),and simply the baddest,best time motorcyle enthusiasts and insiders can have.
I want to give special recognition to Darcy Betlach. Darcy runs a motorcycle marketing company but also is instrumental in organizing a number of great events. Sturgis, The V-Twin Expo and the builder’s breakfasts in both Daytona and Sturgis to name a few.She is the daughter of Jim Betlach another pioneer in the industry.Darcy Rocks!!
Beach