Motorcycle Show: Bike Porn For Those Lusting for a One of a Kind Bike

There are no photographs of people in this post (except for the legs and feet of a few who were in the frame).   This is just bike porn.

These are a couple of the bikes that were entered in the bike building contest.   It is really hard to do them justice given the lighting and people, etc.  But, they were stunning creations.

The paint jobs were incredible.

Enjoy!

The Motorcycle Show: A Delightful Model

My notes are a bit messed up again. I guess that's what happens when you take photos and publish them 3 months later.  So, I am only reasonably certain that this is Lauran!  By this time of the show, it was getting crowded. I believe she was in the Indian booth.  But, I can't be certain.  

Even so, I thought she had a lovely smile and GREEN eyes!  She is a promotional model.

My sincere thanks!

Motorcycle Show: Built for Speed: The Spirit of the Monro Streamliner

This bike, built in 2013, is a custom Indian, named after Burt Monro's 1920 Indian Scout.  That 1920 bike broke the under 1000cc land speed record in 1967 at the Bonneville Salt Flats.  Yes..you read that right.  The bike was from 1920.  Burt had done some tweaking of it (NOT the same as twerking, whatever the hell that is).  The movie, "The World's Fastest Indian" tells Burt's story.  It is most amazing. 

This bike showcases the new Thunder Stroke 111 engine. 

When Borepatch was looking for a bike, I sent them this and told him it would get him from his house to DC and back in like 4 hrs.

I may have exaggerated that just a bit. 

VERY VERY cool bike.  And, it is NOT street ready.
 

Motorcycle Show: Russ Brown, Motorcycle Attorney

Who knew that attorney's specialized in just motorcycles?

Well Russ knew how to bring people to the booth.
Meet Jordan and Michelle!

The ladies were lovely and did a great job getting information to bikers about safety programs and what to do if you have an accident (mostly try not to die!:  OK...that part was just me, not from the ladies).

If my notes are accurate, this is Rachel!  I actually don't think Rachel was part of the Russ Brown booth.  But, I can't be sure.   She did tell me she loves the bikes!

 

Seriously, the ladies were delightful and charming.   I didn't meet Russ.  Somehow, I didn't think it would be nearly as charming.

Thanks ladies!! 


 

Motorcycle Show: Indian Motorcycles: Eye Candy for the Biker

Indian Motorcycles have been around since 1901.  They are, in fact, America's first motorcycle.  They were originally made in Springfield, MA by a company known as Hendee Manufacturing.  But, in 1928, they became the Indian. 

Despite being the largest bike manufacturer in the world from about 1910-after WWI, they went bankrupt in 1953.   A number of smaller companies acquired the name and tried to make a go of it.  But, it wasn't until 2011 that Polaris Industries purchased the name and whatever existed of the manufacturing locations.  They relocated to Minnesota and Iowa where Polaris has other manufacturing plants. 

Since 2013, Indian has produced three models that tie back to the name and traditional styling.

They are big and beautiful.  And, they are Indians!   Ride one of these around and people notice it. 
People notice me riding my scooter, too. But, for different reasons. 

Seriously, a beautiful bike.

 

Motorcycle Show: The Ural Motorcycles!

OK...these are just cool.

Meet Roger from St. Croix Harley! 

And, meet the Ural bikes!

Seriously, I LOVE the side car.  And, these are pretty technically advanced.  There is a 2 wheel drive Ural with on-demand sidecar drive. 

They had several different versions and colors.  But, damn...this is nice.

Thanks Roger!  I may need to pay you a visit!
 

Motorcycle Show: Time for Some Motorcycle Eye Candy!

So, I went to the motorcycle show.  As you know, I do a lot of photos of people.  But, now and then, I get the urge to photograph something else.   It is, after all, somewhat exhausting to keep going up to strangers and asking to take their photograph.  And, the bikes don't care.

So, over the next couple of weeks, I will toss out a little motorcycle candy.  Now, I ride.   But, nothing like this.   This is for my friend Borepatch.  I know you just purchased a bike.  But, you can dream, buddy!!

There were 20-30 bikes entered into a building and judging contest.   Here are a couple.  There will be more!

 The paint jobs are incredible.

This was missing the seat.  I suppose if you don't put a seat on, people don't sit on it.  I am not sure this does much for me.  But, the color is impressive!

My thanks to the incredibly talented builders!  I wish I had some of that skill!
 

Motorcycle Show: Women on Wheels!

Meet Jenny and Chris!

They help support and work for Women on Wheels!  This is an organization that supports women motorcycle riders.  

 

They both hail from the St. Cloud area.  

Ride safely everyone.  And, thanks Jenny and Chris!

Motorcycle Show: Riding the Range

In the old west, riding the range meant getting on the horse and riding across the prairie.  in this case, it means, getting on your motorcycle and riding around the Iron Range (think Northern Minnesota).  It is a beautiful area.  

Meet Lori!

She hails from Grand Rapids and is very eager to get bikers, and other tourists, into the area.

She even gave me a Guide to Minnesota State Parks and Trails.  Nice!  I may need to get on the bike and go for a spin one of these days.   Not yet, of course.  It was 7F this morning.  That's a bit chilly for riding.   I have, however, ridden at 17 F.  It was....cold.

Thanks Lori!!

Motorcycle Show: The ROCKERS Spring Social!

Meet Tim! 

First, nothing makes you want to feel like spring more than motorcycles and scooters.  So, it is GREAT fun to hit the show and see the new bikes.  And, nothing gets your hopes up even more than thinking of a great spring party on the bikes!

Tim was advertising the ROCKERS Spring Social motorcycle show.   May 17th at 923 Washington Ave N, in Minneapolis.  I just may need to be there.

Club Jager is hosting it.   It should be a BLAST!

Meet you all there?

Thanks Tim!!

Sportsmans Show: The Bait.

Generally, you would think a sportsman's show will have fishing gear, boats, etc.  And, indeed the floor was full of such things.  But, if you are an angler, you know you need bait.

So, what will attract the male of the species to boats?

Meet, the bait!

Seriously, the ladies were charming and funny as well as professional.  They knew their role and did a wonderful job engaging the crowd and steering them to the boats!

Thanks ladies! 

Sportsmans Show: April and Boats!

Meet April!

As I was leaving, I saw April standing next to a pontoon boat and decided to ask for a photo.  We had a lovely conversation about doing photos of her dog.   So, we may cross paths again when it warms up.  

Thanks April.  I hope the show was a success and you sold a LOT of boats!

 

Sportsmans Show: More from Africa: Namibia

Meet Johnny and Mariana from Agarob Safaris!

I had a lovely conversation with them.  Understanding that it was about -4F in Minneapolis.  And, back home, it was about 80 F.  They were.....impressed....with the weather. 

I learned that nearly all of the animal conservation efforts that take place in Namibia are with US funding.  

Thanks Johnny and Mariana! 

Sportsman's Show: Friends from Canada

Meet Terry from Tang of the North!

Located just about an hour's drive north of the Canadian/US border.   Great fishing!

Of course, you can fly in from Nestor Falls, too!

Thanks Terry!
 

Sportsman's Show: Halley's Camps!

It was very nice to see our friendly neighbors to the north represented!

Meet Chris, from Halley's Camps.

He offers some of the best, freshwater fishing around English River, Ontario!  In my youth I got up there a few times.  The scenery was beautiful and the fishing fantastic. 

Thanks Chris!

 

 

Sportsman's Show: 6: Shooting Events for Women

It is not surprising at a sportsman's show that there are hunting and shooting exhibitors.  So,

Meet Chelaine from Bills Gun Shop!

She runs handgun classes for men and women.  But, she runs specific classes just for women, as well!  A nice, safe introduction to shooting without pressure.  VERY nice!

It was a pleasure meeting you Chelaine.  Thanks!




 

Sportsman's Show: 5: S. Africa!

One of the fascinating things I discovered in the Sportsman's Show were four or five exhibitors from Africa. 

Meet Stefan, from South Africa!

He provides hunting and camera safaris out of S. Africa.   Now....that is intriguing!
I enjoyed chatting with him about the weather experience.  He was in Minnesota in early January.  This is a LOT different than where he comes from!

Thanks Stefan!
 

Sportsman's Show: 4: Infrared Saunas

Meet Tom from Health Smart Infrared Sauna's!

I grew up having had the opportunity to participate in real Finnish saunas.  And, I must say they are invigorating, especially if you get to jump in a COLD lake after baking in 165-175F for a bit.

I am not familiar with the infrared sauna's.  I don't believe you get the steam effect.  And, I don't believe they get as hot.   A little research may be on my horizon!

Thanks Tom!
 

Sportsman's Show: St. Paul: 3: Venture Custom Rods

Meet the face of Venture Custom Rods.  Everyone needs a custom fishing rod!!

Actually, I was amazed at the colors and detail that he put into each rod.    The photos do not do them justice!

It was difficult getting a photo without glare in this environment.  But, take a look at the detail!!

 

Beautiful!

My sincere thanks!

 

Sportsman's Show: St. Paul: 2: Spot Knot

If memory serves me correctly, the woman below was in a booth with her husband (I think) selling Spot Knot!

Meet Coreen!

And, meet the Spot Knot!

This handy little device enabled even a klutz like me to tie a quick knot in fishing line.   It was very cool and comes with it's own clipper!

What is interesting about this is that they won $10,000 in an invention contest!  Well done! 

I LOVE American ingenuity!!

My sincere thanks!


 

Sportsman's Show: St. Paul: 1 River Valley Power and Sports

It was a very chilly day when I decided it was time to head for the Sportsman's Show and see what was going on. 

The gentleman below was my first stop! 

Meet Mark from River Valley Power and Sports.

He was selling boats to poor unsuspecting people who had had enough of winter and were easily swayed by the promise of warm summer breezes, a beer or two, and a tug on the line. 

And, I think he was doing a great business!!  And, I know he has a passion for water skiing.  So, the boat thing seems to be working out for him!

We all need hope. 

Thanks Mark!
 

Tattoo Convention: Wrapping Up and Heading Out of the Door

How can you pass up this fun group?

They were walking in as I was leaving.  I needed one more pic!   And, they were most pleased to pause for a moment and let me take the photo.

My sincere thanks, ladies!

 

Tattoo Convention: Electric Dragonland

Meet Jean!

SHINEY!!

Thanks Jean!

RIP Maggie

It is with sadness that I announce the passing of Maggie.

She was a wonderful little dog.   She ran my parents household and was very able to communicate what she wanted.  And, she didn't quit until she got it.

She is responsible for my parents good health.  She expected at least 3 walks a day.  And my father, now 86 years old, did his duty and walked her, often for a mile on each walk (weather permitting). 

He once had a small heart issue and passed out on the walk.   Maggie waited next to him for nearly 10 minutes until he regained consciousness, picked himself up, and finished the walk.

Neither Maggie or my dad told my mom anything about passing out and falling down.  Maggie was good at keeping her mouth shut about such things.  When my father went to visit his cardiologist the next week to downloaded information from his pacemaker as part of a routine check, the doctor asked, "So, what happened to you last Thursday at about 2:30 PM?"  My dad had to come clean.  My mother was not amused.  But, Maggie never ratted dad out.   By the way, I totally get this. 

She had a wonderful life.   She gave more love than she got.   And, sometimes she was a pain in the ass.

She will be missed.

RIP Maggie.

Tattoo Convention: An Unknown!

I was going through the last of the photos of the tattoo convention and found this photo with NO name associated it. 

Too bad!  I really like her look.   It's a great photo!

My sincere thanks...to....whomever you are!