Weekend in Review 2 | March 2015

Oh, man.  This warm weather makes a girl HAPPY!

But also makes me want more weekend.

Let’s get started.

Friday

My hair was sending out an SOS, so early afternoon I took off for Clarinda to see Kayla.   I haven’t had a trim or color since January.   YIKES!  My hair was very very happy to see her.  After she was done working her magic, I popped on over to my mom’s to see her pup and hangout for an hour.

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Lucy was playing bashful.

Mom was actually on her way to the grocery store when I stopped by, so we loaded up in the Jeep and made our way across the big city.

Ahem, big city complete with ONE stoplight, on the square, y’all.

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I am posting this photo to show my hand on the steering wheel.  The one she took directly before this I was steering with my knee.  Which happens, a LOT.   Oopsie.   We deleted the evidence.  haha

A trip to the grocery store took well over 30 minutes.  I kept running into folks I knew so of course had to chat!  Was a lot of fun seeing folks I only normally see on Facebook.  ha

I dropped her back off at home and headed down to J. Bruner’s for some appetizers and cocktails with Kayla, Nicole and Tina (mom stopped by later, too).   I planned on two hours.   I should know better…. I didn’t leave town until after 10pm.   😉    I would have stuck around since Clint was also in Clarinda for the weekend, but I teach Insanity at 24 Hour Fitness on Saturday mornings and I would have been sad to miss my peeps.  So, late night travel back to the city, which is not uncommon with me.  It just is usually even later then that.

#roadwarrior

Saturday

Rise and Shine!   Insanity at 8:15am and then I had this BRILLIANT idea to get in a run afterwards.   Uh… Dude.  Just, no.   My legs promptly reminded me that I just got done killing them in the gym with Round 11.

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1 mile.  9:17 pace.   I thought I was going to die.

Moving on….

Home for a morning marathon TV session of Ree Drummond’s Pioneer Woman.  I am obsessed.  It’s my Saturday/Sunday morning ritual.  She’s just so gosh darn cute.

Champ also has a ritual on weekend mornings… Sunbathing.

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I had all intentions to get a giant to-do list done after lunch but the open road was calling me for some solo wind therapy.   Clint was gone for a guys weekend that he had been planning for a few weeks (which ended up not being a guys weekend due to others misunderstanding, but I still didn’t want to impose.  Sometimes you just need to chill with your buddies, ya?).

So, I leathered up and took my girl to Southwest Iowa.

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Made my way through the Loess Hills, back roads, wherever my beauty decided to take me is where we went.

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Early afternoon I found myself in Silver City, so I stopped into The Hood (great little bar in that quaint town) and had a Miller Lite while I made friends with another biker couple and the bartender.  We chatted a lot about Sturgis.  Super stoked about heading back there this year.  🙂  After about an hour, I bid farewell and decided Emerson would be the next stop to see Sara, Troy & kids.

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I love that little town of Emerson.   Actually, I love most little SW Iowa towns.   Quiet, cozy, peaceful, relaxing.   It’s nice to get away from the crazy that is Omaha.  I love my neighborhood and the folks we live around and definitely appreciate living in the city, but, getting away is welcomed.   I can’t wait for the day when we finally get to move just outside the city limits back to the country.

After a few beers with Troy, good chats with Sara and gummy worm sharing with little Ms. Kaeleen, I headed back to the city just as the sun was going down.   My favorite time to ride.

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Dusk means the world is just starting to slow down, the chill in the air starts to settle in and the traffic begins to calm.  Peace, serenity and a great time to be alone with your thoughts.   I love riding after nightfall as well, but knew that I needed to get home just prior to that otherwise chaps would have been necessary.  And, if you know me, you know I hate putting those things on.  🙂

Sunday

After some early morning cleaning, I met up with Blair to get in a 7 mile run.  She has her first half-marathon coming up, so I love that she has asked me to join her on a few of her distance weekends.  Super stoked for her to experience her first 13.1!

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After our WINDY as hell run, I came home to find my hubster back.  So, a trip to Subway for a little lunch and catching up was in order.  The rest of the day included running errands, a Goodwill drop-off, grocery store and Champ shenanigans.

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Showing us his best Stevie Wonder moves… or he’s just not impressed.

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Mean-mugging

For dinner I decided to try out the cauliflower pizza crust that I’ve seen floating around the Pinterest/FB world for months.   Wasn’t too shabby.   A few tweaks and I think it will be even better!  Recipe to come soon.

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And, THAT, wraps up my little weekend.   Far too quick, as always.   I strongly believe in four day work weeks in the spring and summer.   Wonder where I can find one of those gigs?

Cheers!

Women of Harley: Lora J.

Harleys & Heels | Biker Bitch Feature #4 | Lora J.

 

Meet: Lora J.

 

Lora J
1. How long have you been riding?

I grew up on mini bikes, but I was always just a little scared of riding back then.  When I was 18, my husband would let me give him rides on his dirt bike.  On Mother’s Day, seven years ago, I got my first bike and have been riding my own ever since.

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Lora’s First Bike

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2. What do you currently ride?

Harley Davidson Heritage Softail

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3. How many bikes have you owned and why did you choose your current model?

I have owned two bikes.  My first one was an 1100 V Star.   I have since purchased my Heritage Softail, which I got for a screaming great deal.   I kept my V Star for my 16 year old son who has now been riding a few years.

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Lora’s son on her V Star


4. Does your bike have a name?

I haven’t gotten around to my new bike.  Any ideas?


5. Tell us the story behind why/when you decided to ride your own bike.

I love riding my own bike and I feel more safe when I am in charge.   I actually had my first street bike before my husband got his.  I have always felt free riding my own bike. Riding is like Prozac.  It relieves a lot a stress.

Riding is something I had wanted to do for a long time, but I waited until my kids were old enough to watch themselves.  Kids first, riding second.

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Lora with some of her riding sisters.

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6. Do you have a biker who is your inspiration?

All women riders are my inspiration.  I have found that women tend to ride safer then men, and women always form a bond, no matter the age difference.

BB Run Waterloo 15

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7. What are some of you favorite things about the biker lifestyle?

The freedom.

Meeting new people.

Motorcycles are always a great ice breaker.   There is always a story.

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8. Give us one of your favorite two-wheeled stories.

My favorite two wheeled story was my first women’s trip with about 20 ladies.  The oldest was 66 and the youngest 32. We rode to Wisconsin, got rained on and ended up drying our clothes out at a Casey’s along the way.   We rolled into the Dells in matching shirts and people everywhere wanted to take our pictures with them.   It was my first time to go on a trip on my bike with only women.

Our trip was full of adventure.  We had a couple ladies wreck, we lost stuff along the highway, people left their blinkers on (apparently this makes a few ladies really bitchy).  For the record, it wasn’t my blinker, but it was a lesson!  I now always make sure my blinkers are off and I learned how to ride in formation.

All in all, it was a wonderful experience.

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9. What advice would you give other females who are thinking about riding their own?

My advice would be:

  1. If you lay your bike down get back on.  
  2. Don’t buy a brand new bike to begin with get a nice used one.
  3. Ride alone on less populated back roads so you can get in uninterrupted practice.
  4. Never let your bike get dusty.

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Lora and DeAnn


10.  There are many “Biker Codes” out there. If you had a favorite what would it be? Or, if you were to add your own code, what would you say?

Always ride like a lady.  Keep it classy, girls.

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BB Run Waterloo 40


11. Final words?

Ride every chance you can, you never know when it might be your last.

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Cheers!

Keep up-to-date on all Biker Bitch Features:

#1: Ashley H.

#2: Jen M.

#3: Chris Y.

 

You might also be interested in:

The 9th Annual B!tch Ride

The Making of the Biker B!tch Crew

 

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Weekend in Review – August 2014

Let’s see if I can be a little less wordy and little more picturey.

Yes, I made that up.

Deal.

Friday:  Rode my baby to work.  It’s always a good day when it starts on two wheels.

I had a hair appointment scheduled in Clarinda at 4:30pm, so the opportunity for 90 miles of open road on two-wheels after work?

Pure Bliss

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After my hair appointment – ( I went black, brown, red and caramel – it’s sooooo pretty – THANKS KAYLA )  I went to visit with my mom and Aunt before making the trek back to Omaha.

I LOVE riding at dusk.  Sunsets are just gorgeous.  Another 90 miles back home was just what this chick needed.

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I often get asked if I get nervous riding by myself.  And to that I say –

Oh, hell no.

I love it.  Of course, I love riding with my hubby and all my fellow Harley Sista’s, but I am totally cool riding by myself too.   I often will take off and go through a full tank of gas just me and my baby.  It’s called therapy.

And it’s glorious.

Saturday – a little gym time, some work from home, bill paying and some selfie playing (you know you do it too) while I waited for the hubs to finish working in the garage.   Check out the hair.  Like?

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Trying to master the photo in the mirror below.  ha

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Don’t judge.   Waiting for the hubs.  What’s a girl to do?  Can you see him in the background of that pic?

I also played around with my new WordSwag App

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Alright, back on track.  Once he got around we took off for Bennington to meet up with Tyree and Regeana.  They had been out riding on a Poker Run all day and we went to surprise them at the last stop.

PS – It was Regeana’s Birthday on Saturday.  HAPPY BIRTHDAY, REGEANA!!

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Tyree, Me, Regeana – the BDAY girl! 🙂

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Cheers!

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Typical.

After a few drinks and dinner we headed up to Shelby and J’s (Clint’s brother) house for a block party.  Drinks, good convo, laughs and delicious cupcakes and soon we found ourselves staring at an ugly storm that has us all packed up and OUTTA there fast.

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Sunday– Coffee with my girl, Sunni.   We try to meet up once a month, however, summer got crazy busy so this was our first time meeting since May.  She has a million kids, so I’ll give her a free pass.  😉  LOVE you, Sunni.

After coffee I did a little shopping and then Tyree and I went to Chrome Lounge for a benefit concert and auction for the Pivonka Family.  Please visit the below pages to learn more about this tragedy and to help.

Pivonka Family Go Fund Me

Memorial Page

The benefit ran over the course of three days with local bands donating their time and music for the cause.  The turnout was just breathtaking.  People say there is no better support than small towns, however, I have to say that this weekend proved the Omaha Community is just as phenomenal.  I was moved to tears multiple times just seeing the love and support that was out there for this family.

I didn’t know the Pivonka’s personally. Only had seen them on occasion at Chrome Lounge and recognized their faces.  This weekend proved that this couple was loved deeply and will be missed tremendously by so many.

The music community in Omaha pulled through in the most amazing way.  Below is a screen shot of the Sunday bands alone.

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Bless you all.

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What a good way to end the weekend being surrounded by positive vibes, generous people and a room full of love.

The Making of the Biker B!tch Crew

Allow me to introduce you to some of the coolest chicks you will ever meet.

Image2013 Biker B!tch Crew

Some of these girls I have known for years while others only for a short time, but what I can tell you about this particular group is that we share a unique and special bond that only female bikers can truly understand.

Let me take you through the making of this pretty fantastic group.

Background

Fall 2004 I bought my first Harley.

Summer 2005 I started riding with a crew I had only met a couple of times (including my now bestie, Sara).  They welcomed me with open arms, and I am eternally thankful for that being a new rider at the time.  Sara and I quickly became close friends.   She is one sassy lady with the kindest, most caring heart.  Sara and I have been by each others side through some pretty major life events and I am forever thankful for her friendship.

Summer of 2006 Sara and I officially formed the Biker B!tch Crew…. or Duo I guess we should have called it at the time.

Even with just the two of us, we knew we were on to something pretty great. 🙂

ImageSara and I: Summer 2006

Each year we started to recruit a few more girls to our Crew.

There is something pretty darn awesome about being a woman in control of your own bike.

Sara’s sister, Liz, joined us next.  Liz cracks me up with her sense of humor and say it like it is personality.   You know where you stand with these two sisters and I love that about the both of them.  Good people.  Good hearts.

ImageSara, Me, Liz

Then came Tammy; Sara and Liz’s step-sister.  Tammy actually bought my Harley-Davidson Sportster which was fun for me to see it passed on to another kick ass chick!  Loads of fun the four of us gals had that summer, let me tell you.

Soon after Tammy joined us, my friend Heidi came aboard.  Heidi and I met in 2006 when we both started working for the same company.  We bonded and survived that nightmare of a job, quickly became great friends and a few years later I had the privilege of helping her search for her first Harley.

And, this is where the years get a little blurry and I have no photos.

Sad affair, but we won’t dwell.  The best is yet to come!

Fast forward to 2010.

ImageHeidi, Sara, Tammy, Jordan and Liz

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The photos above were taken at Heron Bay in Louisville, NE.  Fun little dive bar on the river.  Highly recommend for a summer pit stop.  Don’t expect fanciness.  It is definitely a dive.

ImageLiz, Sara, me, Heidi, Tammy Chrome Lounge, Omaha, NE

Bottoms Up, Ladies!

2011 Biker Bitch Ride we added my girl, Tyree.  Tyree and I met in ’07, a year after I moved to Omaha, and she quickly became one of my closest friends and confidants.   We have some pretty wild things in common that helped us bond in just a few short weeks.  Tyree didn’t have a Harley when I first met her, but she invested a few years after.  I also had the privilege of joining Tyree while she made her first Harley purchase!  So much fun.

I can’t help feeling like a proud momma when my friends purchase new bikes!

In true B Ride fashion, it rained the day of our 2011 ride.  It always seems to rain on us, but usually passes through pretty quickly.

NOT. THAT. YEAR.

Seriously….

We were poured on.  But, we didn’t let it damper our spirits.  Nor were we going to be called fair weather riders, so off we went!

2011 biker bitch

Me, Tyree, Liz, Heidi and Sara

Shiddle-E Dee – Clarinda, IA

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ImageEssex, IA.  We started a tradition of chalking the tables in 2011.  😉

2012 we added CB, Lara and Kayla to our crew.

CB is an old friend/step-mother figure of Sara and Liz and is such a caring and kind woman.

Kayla is one of my very best friends since our High School Days.  She and I were often up to no good, but we have some of the best memories together and I am forever thankful that we have remained besties in our adult years.  The shenanigans just don’t stop, especially since her husband and mine are inseparable.  They honestly should just move in together and Kayla and I could just pay them a visit every now and then. 🙂

Lara is one of Kayla’s close friends and is an absolute ball of fun.  I love this woman’s humor, compassion and zest for life.

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ImageNever truer words.

The day of our 2012 Ride a few of the gals were just meeting each other for the first time.  I was the only one that knew all of them, a couple of the others knew all but maybe one or two and then there were a couple other gals that didn’t know but only one.   By an hour or two into the day it was as if we had known each other for years.

This is the kind of friendship that can’t be explained.  I can say it until I am blue in the face, but there really is something about bonding over two wheels.  We share the danger, the excitement, the adrenaline and the enhanced sense of caution.  We look out for one another, we never leave someone behind, we encourage, poke fun and genuinely care for each other.

But don’t let all that fool ya…. We are often up to no good. 🙂

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ImageBottom Right – Clockwise – Kayla, Me, CB, Sara, Lara, Heidi, Liz and Tyree

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No shame in saying it how it is…. 😉

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For the record, it did rain that day.  Why would you think any different?

2013- 8th Annual B!tch Ride

Our largest group yet!  We added three new ones this year!

Regeana- Tyree and I met her at the Holstein’s 2013 All Women’s Run about a month prior to the Bitch Run.   She showed up to the run by herself in hopes of meeting a few other ladies to ride with.   We started chatting her up at the first bar stop and we have shared the open road with her ever since.  Regeana has two kids and a husband overseas.  She is a rockstar of a woman.

Ashley – a friend of my husband’s who I reached out to and invited her on the B!tch Run spur of the moment.   Remember that talk about building fast friendships on 2 wheels?  Ashley didn’t know a single one of us until this day.  I was even just meeting her for the first time!  So glad she stepped out of her comfort zone and joined us.  She is an absolute sweetheart and we all loved her from the get-go.

And Katina, didn’t know anyone but me (she grew up with my husband), but the gals literally took her under their wings within minutes.  Katina is such a quiet, sweet soul with a sneaky side to her (um, she just up and moved to Colorado for goodness sakes).   Thankful Katina was able to join our rowdy bunch and didn’t run away thinking we were all too crazy.

I am blessed to know such strong, kick ass, beautiful, fun loving women that I can call dear friends.

ImageHeidi, Regeana, Me, Kayla, Sara, Katina, Tyree, Liz, Ashley, Lara

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Our first stop on the 8th Annual B!tch Ride landed us in Macedonia, IA for lunch.  Our second stop (above) landed us in Griswold.  And this is where we remained for longer than anticipated due to…… you’ve got it…

Rain.

That’s ok though.  We had more then enough fun while stranded.

ImageOur attempt at recreating our 2012 hand in pocket photo.

Can we say, FAIL?

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Stop 3- Red Oak, IA

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Stop 4 and 5 – Essex, IA (chalk table) and Imogene, IA for none other then Little Beer Shots.

So. Good.

       So. Lethal.

                You’ve been warned.

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Case In Point – You may end up in a kiddie pool….

ImageTyree and Yours Truly

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And that my friends, is the History of the Biker B!tch Crew.

Awesome Girlfriends, Crazy Shenanigans, Lots of Laughs, Forever Memories.