Halleluiah and pass the sun screen. It looks like good riding weather has blessed us once again. For a while there the wicked old weather witch was holding us as hostages in our humble abodes here in Northern California and the tell-tale signs of cabin fever were everywhere. I, personally, found myself staring out the rain streaked windows carefully eyeing the horizon for rescue boats as our yearly rain fall total reached the 100% mark. And that was months ago. Right now, whether it’s a false spring or an early warning sign that we’re headed for a scorching summer, we’re languishing in bright sun and toasty temps. I’m a happy gal.
         Your faithful crew here at Sturgis Rider Live, while commiserating over the crappy weather, has not been merely kicking back and whimpering over soggy boots and the miserable riding conditions. No siree, we’ve been working hard at bringing you subscribers an ever constant array of special guests and quality video (as well as sparkly eye candy) and I think we’ve done a pretty good job.
         January’s show had us down in So Cal at the intergalactic planetary headquarters of Keith Ball aka: Bandit from Bikernet.com in Long Beach. The monthly models draped themselves across the featured bike of the month, a Panhead dubbed the Assault “Weapan”, as the legendary musical guest Deacon Jones rocked the house with the Charlie Brechtel Band. The ancient building was filled with a fine mist of sheetrock dust as the band literally “brought the house down” while they entertained the audience with great tunes. Bill Hayes had brought his guitar along and sat in for a few numbers and folks sat in the shop, amongst the bikes, tapping toes and cheering the musicians on. It was a great time and you can view the complete show soon.
         February’s show is already in the can and ready to roll. Shot at the Big 7 Productions sound stage in Copperopolis, a number of friends and guests stopped in to party with our crew. Steve Scarboro from Stockton brought his award winning Panhead Chopper to pose as bike of the month and Troy Rowsey of the Renegade Classics stores chatted with guest host, LoDown. As Northern California Bureau Chief of Thunder Press magazine, LoDown did a great job of interviewing Bill Katen from the BAD (Biker’s Against Diabetes) Ride. We all learned a thing or two about the American Diabetes Association and the history of George “Rip” Rose and his work in starting the BAD Rides we all know and love to attend.
         Bill Hayes was on hand with his invaluable writing skills as he and his lady, Jennifer, helped behind the scenes and then was asked to step in front of the camera to accept a special award from Charlie Brechtel for his work with the Biker’s Inner Circle internet radio show. The party kicked into high gear as a mob of riders from the Hellbent MC arrived to proudly escort the club’s matriarch, Ruby Weber, onto the set. Riding for over 50 years (most of those on her own bike), Ruby is the only woman to hold the club’s patch and is an absolute treasure in the riding community. Her bright smile literally illuminated the place. Be sure to tune in to catch her interview.
          As with any new endeavor, any road trip, any adventure, we’ve hit a pothole or two recently. In a never ending attempt to expand and perfect operations, we purchased new software and it seems the new and the old are doing a Hatfield and McCoy thing and now none of the computers are speaking to each other. It’s a temporary thing and will be resolved soon (after a couple of rounds of buckshot are pumped into ‘em) and we’ll be bringing our subscribers even better visuals and internet riding experiences. As soon as we clear this one speed trap, it’s gonna be smooth sailing with no limitations so get yourself signed up and ready for the riding season. On the next horizon will be a show shot at surfer boy Scott Long’s Central Coast Cycles in Santa Cruz and the notorious gang at Easyriders has invited us to come party on their patio, too. So, keep riding, keep tuning in, and keep the faith. Over n’ out.
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