Video from the Christmas Party.

Here is a short clip Joy filmed at the Christmas Party / Food and Toy Drive held at Geo's Wings and More this past Sunday December 22.

Christmas Party Post-Mortem

Joy and I just got home from delivering the last of the toys. So today I took the food to the Interfaith Food Pantry wrote them a check for $800. Then I went to the Women's Crisis Center gave them a bunch of toys and a check for $800. I gave more toys to a local church that needed them and finally gave the rest to the Salvation Army so they could give them to their Angel Children. You guys are awesome

Last Final for this Semester

Woo hoo it is Friday and today I have the last final for this semester. I do not know that I can change the grade much one or another and there is a lot of information but ultimately the cool thing is that I am one step closer to the end.

Another Christmas Party

This one at Ted's Motorcycle World in Alton, IL Santa is going to be at Ted's this Saturday for our Christmas Open House! We're mixing it up this year with all you can eat baked beans, bratwurst, and chicken for free! Its all cooked over charcoal, none of that wussy propane stuff! Yes, there will be smoke; yes, there will be fire; and yes, there will be customers running around, not because they're on fire, but because of the great deals they will find on Can-Am, Honda, and licensed Harley-Davidson products! See you there!

Christmas Party

Here is a link to some information about our Christmas Party / Food and Toy Drive, this Sunday the 18th at Geo's Wings and More 4307 West Main St in Belleville, IL. I hope many of you can make it thanks. The Link

Great News

Senate Committee Passes Highway Safety Bill Wednesday, December 14, 2011 Today, the United States Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation passed a sweeping safety bill known as the Motor Vehicle and Highway Safety Improvement Act (S. 1449). The bill passed by voice vote. Earlier this week, Senator Lautenberg (D-NJ) filed an amendment that would have gutted the popular federal motorcycle education and awareness grants, known as the 2010 funds. The Motorcycle Riders Foundation is pleased to report that Lautenberg did not call that amendment for a vote. Due to an overwhelming response from the motorcycle community, the 2010 grants are safe for now. Also under attack was the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) lobby ban. This law prohibits NHTSA from using federal money to lobby State legislatures, uninvited. The way S. 1449 was drafted, it removed this lobby ban. Senator Jim DeMint (R-SC) introduced a number of amendments to maintain the ban and the necessary amendments were agreed to, by unanimous consent of the full committee. The one sticking point that remains is at least, the least troublesome. That being said, it is still something that will keep the attention of the MRF lobby efforts. The trouble lies in a provision in S. 1449 that calls out motorcycle helmets in the list of definitions as "motor vehicle equipment". Previously, the list simply stated: "any device or an article or apparel... that is not a system, part, or component of a motor vehicle". The MRF would like to thank all the State motorcycle rights organizations and everyone else who helped with this legislation. The bill passed today will likely move on to be a part of the larger Highway Bill which could happen in early 2012. The MRF will keep you informed on this issue.

Donations

Just a quick reminder we are hosting a Christmas Party / Food and Toy Drive this Sunday at Geo's Wings and More 4307 W Main St in Belleville, IL. The party starts around 1:00 there will be food and drink specials, a DJ, lots of great auction items and giveaways. Plus you will have an opportunity to do something for others during the holiday season. Please come out and support the event. Some of the items we have so far are: Motorcycle light kit $250 value from the Neon Cycle Superior Custom Powder Coating has given us a gift certificate for $300 Smitty's at the Marina has donated a pork loin dinner for 10 Show-Mes is donating a wing party Gift Card from Black Jack Leather and much more

Still the Caravan Rolls On

I heard a saying years ago, Howard Cosell said it on Monday Night Football. "The dog barks but still the caravan rolls on." Sounds a lot like The Biking Life. Over the years many dogs have barked as we rolled down the road but still we roll on. The Biking Life is here for the long term and we are eagerly looking forward to our 10th Anniversary. In this day and age 10 years is a long time to stay in business and that milestone is not far away at all now. The reason is great people like you have welcomed us into your homes and shops for that we say thank you.

Money

I got a lesson today in what money can do for you. Another business entity took exception with the name of our swap meets they did not like the combination of the words Midwest and motorcycle. Not a problem I was never overjoyed with that name anyway. So going forward they will be known as what they are The Biking Life (or TBL) Motorcycle Swap Meets. Same owner as ever me. I am not trying to play some shell game like others. The name change is only because I would like to keep my financial resources for something other than legal fees. I hope to see many of you at our events, Ask your friends who has the best assortment of vendors, ask your friends where they have the most fun and you'll know why you should be there to.

Riding weather

After the last few days this almost feels like riding weather. However I need a battery for the Harley before I do that again. I should have one for the New Year's Day Ride to New Athens probably meeting friends at Geo's and then heading out from there. Make plans to join us.

Looking Like Christmas

It is flurrying and is tarting to look a little more like Christmas. I hope all is well with you and yours and the Christmas shopping is proceeding well. We put up a tree this year may need Treetop to bring it down. It just makes a home seem homier.

COLD

Damn all of a sudden it got cold ice ont he van this morning and everything. No matter what you do I hope you have a great day and you stay where it is warm and cozy.

Unicorns

Never believe something exists until you at least see one.

This Coming Thursday

Join us at Geo's wings and More to check out the new season of Full Throttle Saloon never can tell might see some familiar faces there. Also we will be giving away some tickets for a Crosby, Still and Nash tribute band that will be playing at the Family Arena.

Great Day Today and Thanks

Great day at the white Mule Saloon today. Fantastic turnout we got a lot of food and toys for the Jefferson County Mission and raised more than $2300 as well thanks to all who made this possible with their generosity.