Known best for his pioneering film "Easy Rider," Dennis Hopper died Saturday of prostate cancer at the age of 74 in his home in Venice Beach.
Hopper, who made his debut opposite James Dean in the classic "Rebel Without a Cause" in 1955, reached a younger generation decades later with roles in "Apocalypse Now," "Hoosiers" and "Blue Velvet."
There is not a lot going on this weekend because of the holiday Memorial Day. This is a day set aside to commemorate those who have given their lives in defense of the nation or some cause that our leaders thought was important enough to put young American lives at risk on the field of battle. Whatever you do this weekend please take minute and reflect on those who have made the ultimate sacrifice because they are why we have the liberties we do.
Okay enough of that the Skyriders runs are always fun and the bars they stop at usually have great food kind of a prerequisite to be a stop. There is also a party at their clubhouse in Livingston afterwards. Then those of you who dig on three wheels it is trike riders day at Hub Cycles in Lebanon, MO. Finally this is Memorial Day weekend and that means flat track racing at its finest on the Fairgrounds in Springfield, IL. Yes this weekend si the Springfield Mile on Sunday and TT racing on Saturday Night. If you haven't been you need to check it out this is great racing.
29th Skyriders Night Poker Run sign up at Teds Motorcycle world from 4 to 6 PM
29th Trike Rider Days at Hub Cycle in Independence MO
Tonight Joy and I will be at No-Jacks we may be driving though running at the Freedom Ride took a small toll on Joy's ankle. Then tomorrow night there are a couple of places to be in the metro East one is at Show-Me's in Fairview Heights, IL for their bike night featuring free wings for riders from 7 to 9 and also Cutter's on Carlyle Ave in Belleville where they have great, big pizzas on special and drink deals also. Also after we fill our bellies and visit with friends why not ride down to PT's Showclub in Centreville, IL for their nike night riders get in for free and you can get a macho mug of beer for only $5. Thursday is of course Geo's Lights the Night Bike Night and then who knows after that.
Hard to believe how the time flies once riding season starts but we love it. It gives us a chance to get out and see our friends and readers almost every night. Most of you know that Joy and I are with you a lot. We do that because as the owners of The Biking Life we want to stay in touch with you.
Weekly Events
Tuesday Bike Night the Third Tuesday of the Month at Down on the Corner n Hwy 96 in Marcelline, IL
Tuesday Two Wheel Tuesday at N0-Jacks on IL 159 in Smithton, IL
Wednesday CTs Night Bike Ride Call Paul at Dave Mungenast Motorsports for info
Wednesday Show-Mes Wingsday Bike Fest Fairview Heights location on Lincoln Highway only
Wednesday Scoots and Suds Bike Night at Cutters on Carlyle Avenue in Belleville, IL
Thursdays STUNNA Thursdays At Paradise 1, 615 Missouri St East St Louis, IL (618) 482-5578 DJ
Thursdays Bike Night at Bikers Corner at 1924 N Vandeventer Ave in St Louis, MO
Thursdays Hardriders call their hotline (314) 340-2000 for info
Thursdays Bike Night at Geos Wings and More on West Main in Belleville, IL from 6:30 to 10
Friday Bikes, Beers and Bonfires at Chasers on Dutch Hollow Rd. $1.50 Dom LN
Saturday Scandalous Satrurday Bike Night at Fatboys in DeSoto, MO
I thank everyone who came out today to support the 5th Annual Freedom Ride. It was a great success for a great cause. I want to particularly thank Anne Kehrer from the Outside Inn for putting action into the sentiment of supporting the troops. Oh and it was a very fun ride and just an awesome day.
It looks like the rain has finally blown through the St Louis area and we should have a great weekend of riding ahead of us. If you are looking for suggestions on where to ride and would like to visit some new places and some old favorites, then check out the AMVETS Marble Run Ride. The book has over 100 stops that you can ride on your schedule and your route between now and Sept 18.
Marble Run books are available for $20 at Gateway BMW (I-170 & St Charles Rk Rd), Shady Jacks (N. Broadway in St Louis), Cheers (Valley Park, MO), Trelor Bar & Grille (Trelor, MO), TJ's Bar & Grille (Festus, Mo) and Tiny's Pub & Grille (Columbia, IL).
All proceeds go to help veterans and their families. Large cash prizes to the top three high points riders. This is a great way to have a summer of fun, help the vets and possibly score a big prize.
ust a quick reminder Geo's Lights the Night is a rain or shine event. So if it isn't a great night for riding it is always a great night to hang with friends. We hope to see you here and don't forget tonight is the tattoo contest.
The schedule is not quite so hectic this weekend but there are some fun events coming up. The Ink'n For Crohns gives you an opportunity to get a tat or a piercing for very little money and the proceeds got o help fight Crohn's Disiease. Saturday the 5th Annual Freedom Ride takes place this is always a good time get a group together and ride to support our troops The Rally in the Valley in Decatur promises to be fun with live music, vendors and all you look for in an ABATE Party and finally the goings on in Quincy with the ride on Saturday and the Bike Show on Sunday can't be beat and the proceeds here help the Great River ABATE Chapter and truly all of us. Have fun whatever you do
21st - 22nd Rally in the Valley Decatur, IL call 217-619-6530 for info
21st - 22nd Ink'n for Crohns at Steel and Ink Tattoo
22nd- 5th Annual Freedom Ride Sign up from 10:30 to noon at the Outside Inn in New Baden IL. Proceeds go to Operation Homefront an organization that helps service members and their families.
22nd - 23rd May Awareness Run sponsored by Kelly's and Great River ABATE in Quincy, IL
Tonight there are two bike nights we are involved with tonight in the Belleville area One is at Show-Mes in Fairview Heights, IL where they feature free wings for all riders. The other is at Cutters where they have a pizza special both places have drink specials as well we look forward to seeing you the weather looks awesome.
That is right another week has gone by and Tuesday is here. Time to ride out to Smithton IL right on ILL 159 and hit NO-Jacks. They have great appetizers like the pulled pork nachos with a special pricing then there are a lot of fun and potentially very rewarding contests grab some friends and ride on out there.
Below are some of the bike nights that happen every week in the area. No-Jacks on Tuesday has awesome appetizers and lots of fun events where you can win some great prizes. Wednesday Night there are bike nights at Show-Me's in Fairview Heights where there are great deals on wings and some nice ladies to take care of you. Also Cutters on Carlyle Ave in Belleville also has some fantastic specials. Thursday is of course Geo's Lights the Night Bike night where all your friends gather well except those that are doing the Hardriders things or hanging at Bikers Corner. Friday is Bikes, Beer and Bonfires at Chasers on Dutch Hollow Rd in Belleville and Saturday features Scandalous Saturdays at Fatboys in DeSoto, MO.
Weekly Events
Tuesday Bike Night the Third Tuesday of the Month at Down on the Corner n Hwy 96 in Marcelline, IL Tuesday Two Wheel Tuesday at N0-Jacks on IL 159 in Smithton, IL
Wednesday CTs Night Bike Ride Call Paul at Dave Mungenast Motorsports for info
Wednesday Show-Mes Wingsday Bike Fest Fairview Heights location on Lincoln Highway only
Wednesday Scoots and Suds Bike Night at Cutters on Carlyle Avenue in Belleville, IL
Thursdays STUNNA Thursdays At Paradise 1, 615 Missouri St East St Louis, IL (618) 482-5578 DJ
Thursdays Bike Night at Bikers Corner at 1924 N Vandeventer Ave in St Louis, MO
Thursdays Hardriders call their hotline (314) 340-2000 for info
Thursdays Bike Night at Geos Wings and More on West Main in Belleville, IL from 6:30 to 10
Friday Bikes, Beers and Bonfires at Chasers on Dutch Hollow Rd. $1.50 Dom LN
Saturday Scandalous Satrurday Bike Night at Fatboys in DeSoto, MO
It looks like the worst of the weather is behind us. There are some fun events today so get out and ride to one. Chariots of Fire is having their Ride for the Troops, Niehaus Cycle Sales in finishing up their Customer Appreciation Days which usually ends up with a bike being given away and today is the Dreamweavers Rodeo with sign up at Ted's Motorcycle World.
ATTENTION: THE GYPSY RENDEZVOUS RIDE HAS BEEN CANCELLED DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER, BUT THE PARTY IS STILL HAPPENING. RESCHEDULED RIDE DATE TO BE DETERMINED. CHECK WEBSITE FOR DETAILS. The party will be at Gateway to the West Harley Davidson.
Boy life and the riding season is moving along quickly Joy and I are out most every day and night mingling with our riding friends. We love doing it but I digress tonight is the night when we see more friends then any other time excluding like the Motorheads Poker Run are a really huge event because Thursday Night is Geo's Lights the Night Bike Night. There are great food and drink specials and some night soon I will have a very special prize for the winner but I cannot tell you what it is right now. I guess you'll have to show up to find out. Anyway there will be lots of good food, fun and friends tonight no matter what mother nature has in store for us. We'll see you there. For the uninitiated Geo's Wings and More is located at 4307 West Main St in Belleville, IL
This weekend is Armed Forces Weekend. As every year there are a lot of rides and events going on. These are all very good. Starting with SEMO their new location is awesome, the field events are fun and you cannot beat their entertainment. Then there is Niehaus Cycle Sales Customer Appreciation Days. This is always one of the biggest events in Central Illinois with lots of vendors and a packed schedule of things going on. The Illinois Vietnam Vets are having a run this Saturday leaving from their clubhouse just off Scott AFB, Chariots of Fire is having their Run for the Troops on Sunday, there is the Annual Cancer Run leaving from Frieze Harley Davidson and the Dreamweavers MC are having their Annual Rodeo toalso on Sunday. Whatever you choose have a great weekend and thanks for making us part of your biking life.
14th - 16th Niehaus Cycle Sales Customer Appreciation Day Litchfield, IL
14th - 16th SEMO Run What Ya Brung Lesterville, MO
15th Cycle Recognition Ride sign up Alton Police department at noon
15th Charity Poker Run for Cindy Crider-Lewis Sign up sign up from 4 to 5 at Berkshire Inn in Alton, IL
15th Armed Forces Day Poker Run Sign up sign up from 10 to noon at Vet Center, 4051 State Hwy 161 Belleville IL sponsored by VNV MC
15th Wingstock at Mid America Harley Davidson in Columbia, MO
15th Cahokia KC Tootsie Roll Poker Run sign up at Cahokia KC Hall
16th Dreamweaver's Rodeo sign up Teds Motorcycle World in Alton or at the Jerseyville American Legion
16th 3rd Annual Run for the Troops Sign up 10 – 12:30 At Chariots of Fire 141 Moscow Springs Plaza Moscow Mills, MO
16th 15th Annual Cancer Run sign up 10:30 to 12:30 at Frieze Harley Davidson in Ofallon, IL
Good morning all and while the hail and storms last night were pretty awesome. It looks like the best chances for rain are over so why not make plans now to hit Show-Mes in Fairview Heights, IL this evening on Lincoln Highway enjoy some cold drinks some great food and some lovely ladies. Thanks for making us part of your biking life.
This week there are several bike nights that will be truly getting their kick off. One is tonight at No-Jacks on the ILL 159 as you are heading into town from Belleville, IL. No Jacks has some really great specials and other things including a money booth to make sure you have fun. Then tomorrow (Wednesday) night is the first Scoots and Suds Bike Night at Cutters on Carlyle Rd in Belleville, IL and of course do not forget about Show-Mes in Fairview Heights, IL and their free wings for riders from 7 to 9 PM. There will be food and drink specials and that new patio means this will be a good place to hang out. Joy and I will be at both maybe riding maybe not but we will be there. Have fun and thanks for making us part of your biking life.
Tuesday Bike Night the Third Tuesday of the Month at Down on the Corner n Hwy 96 in Marcelline, IL
Tuesday Two Wheel Tuesday at N0-Jacks on IL 159 in Smithton, IL
Wednesday CTs Night Bike Ride Call Paul at Dave Mungenast Motorsports for info
Wednesday Show-Mes Wingsday Bike Fest Fairview Heights location on Lincoln Highway only
Wednesday Scoots and Suds Bike Nightt at Cutters on Carlyle Avenue in Belleville, IL
Thursdays STUNNA Thursdays At Paradise 1, 615 Missouri St East St Louis, IL (618) 482-5578 DJ
Thursdays Bike Night at Bikers Corner at 1924 N Vandeventer Ave in St Louis, MO
Thursdays Hardriders call their hotline (314) 340-2000 for info
Thursdays Bike Night at Geos Wings and More on West Main in Belleville, IL from 6:30 to 10 Friday Bikes, Beers and Bonfires at Chasers on Dutch Hollow Rd. $1.50 Dom LN
Saturday Scandalous Satrurday Bike Night at Fatboys in DeSoto, MO
Yes when I arose I looked out the window and it sure didn't look nice. Joy was bundled up more than usual as she headed off for work. Then checked out the weather and it is not looking good this whole week. My hope is that those who predict such things are as good at getting bad things right as they are anything else cause if they are it will be 80 and sunny sometimes this week, Have a great week and thanks for making us part of your biking life.
Also this is a little late in the day but I want to thank my mom and all the moms who do so much for all of us no matter how old we get they still think of us and love us like they always have. To all the mothers thanks for being there for us.
There are some rides this weekend these two and also another for the March of Dimes also on Saturday that leaves from Gallagher's. Check it out or ride with friends but remember that Sunday is Mother's Day so my thanks to all mothers out there and especially to my mom and god rest her soul Joy's mom. So just a quick reminder to say hi to your Mother on Mother's Day.
8th Cycle Saints Run for the Son sign up at Bethalto Christian Church 11 to noon
8thd 1st Annual Bike Blowout at Wagon Wheel and ICs Bar and Grill in Sikeston, MO
Can it be? Yes it is already Thursday again so why not gather up a bunch of your friends and head out to Geo's 4307 West Main St in Belleville, IL. You know it is always a great time with lots of friendly people. So you can either bring old friends or meet new ones. Karen always has some kind of game to keep everyone entertained and good prizes every week. We hope to see you there tonight. Thanks for making us part of your biking life.
It is Cinco de Mayo and we encourage all to celebrate one place you could celebrate is Show-Mes on Lincoln Highway in Fairview Heights IL. If you ride your motorcycle in you are eligible for free wings from 7 to 9 PM. Joy and I will be there a little later on and we hope to see you. Another place to check out is Cutters and their Scoots and Suds Bike Night which starts tonight.
Hi Folks this is a hardworking bar owner that needs some last ditch help if you could swing by she would appreciate it and you will have a good time.
Hey guys It's Jessy!!! I need everyone's help! I am still fighting in court over ownership of the broadway Bistro Zoo and this is the last week I can fight for the place. I'm out of time and MONEY! SOOO We're having some parties this week! Please try to come support and help save our bar! Wed. is Cinco de Mayo Party all day. Cheap margarita's! Spaghetti Wrestling @ 6:00 on Thursday. And Friday... fund raiser Vip party upstairs @ 5:30pm. I'm at the end of the road guys so please come this week! It will be losts of fun!! Hope it won't be the last! Thanks, hope to see you! PS. if you have party ideas or want to play free volleyball call me (314) 600-1715 jessy
After many trials and tribulations the May issue is finally on line. The hardcopy should be back and on the street in 2 or 3 days. I think it is worth the wait we have some very cool stories and many event promoters chose us as a way to help get the word out. You can read the issue by clicking on this hyperlink
I recently demoed a software package called Infix. This allows you to edit pdfs without having the software that originally created them. This is super for things like putting the magazine together because sometimes I notice mistakes last minute and there isn't time to contact the creator. With this software I am able to go and make necessary changes saving both me and my clients a lot of time.
We held our first The Biking Life Riders Ride of the year yesterday and it was great. There were some who were concerned about the weather but we ran more than 200 miles when all was said and done and maybe had 20 drops hit us. That is not too shabby and when most were predicting the rains to hit the sky had just a few wispy clouds. There is a group on Facebook if you want to keep track of when our next ride is. These are not meant to be huge rides just free rides with friends no charities and no costs to you other than what you spend and if you had been along yesterday I might have bought you a beverage. Here is a link if you would like to join our group.
Announcement from the Los Angeles Times
Jim, Publisher 