Favorite Ride? That would be all of them. I guess I would have to say it’s a toss up between the two big rides last summer which was Sturgis and a ride through Idaho, Montana & Oregon.

We started south on Junction Road from Sturgis and took the Vonaker Canyon road south to Nemo for breakfast.

We then went down 234 to and over the shortcut to Hill City for gas. A quick stretch and then we were off to the Needles highway (Hwy 87). We stopped for pictures at Sylvan Lake (the prettiest granite boulders in the world) and then on to Hwy 16A and lunch at the Game Lodge. We continued on 16A when it became the Iron Mountain Road. The road actually loops around/over itself as it takes you to a higher elevation three or four times with the trickiest switchbacks one ever sees. Single lane tunnels through solid granite with the last one featuring Mt Rushmore in the distance seen through the tunnel.

A stop at Mt Rushmore, an ice cream cone and off to the north on Hwy 385 (Black Hills Parkway) and Deadwood City. At that point refreshments were in order so we stopped at the Bucket of Blood Saloon. Then back over 14A to Sturgis...

Worst Ride? This would be when I can’t ride!

I wouldn’t consider this my worst ride per say it was great riding on the back of my husband’s bike and he’s a great driver, but nothing beats having your VERY OWN HARLEY. It doesn’t get any better than that. I know he gets nervous about it sometimes but like I tell he and my father, if something happens to me while on it, just know I died the happiest women in the world.

Humorous Ride Situation? Well, my husband would say that it would be when we were on a trip through Idaho, Montana & Oregon last summer. This was my first big ride so my husband thought that we should take our truck and trailer along in case I didn’t think I couldn’t ride the whole way or if anyone had a breakdown. We also had to come back earlier than the rest so this would speed up our trip home. This way we could trade off and on and I could drive the truck if I got too tired riding the Harley (I don’t think that is possible — physically maybe but not mentally). Well I don’t have a problem with driving the truck with the trailer on the back unless of course it’s a very narrow road and very windy. However, I did not know that it was going to be this way. Our fearless leader (I’ll call him Scruffy to protect his innocence), failed to mention that the roads might be a little winding. We were somewhere in the middle of nowhere in Idaho (I believe it was between Orfino and Grangeville) and we started going up this very narrow road (which is just fine on a Harley) however in a big truck AND trailer it’s not so fun; especially when there were semi’s coming from the other direction and hoping that I didn’t meet the next one on a corner. The group had to stop and wait for me at the top. I jumped out and kissed the ground. My husband said the look on my face was priceless.

So I guess you could say that was my worst & most humorous ride during a Harley trip (does it count that I was driving a Harley pickup?)

Later on this same trip (Scruffy was still our leader), he was leading us to our final destination for the day which was in Boise. However, during major traffic, he couldn’t figure out what exit to take (Note: he did have a new GPS system) and then at the last minute decided which one. Well that’s fine for those of them that were on bikes but not I who was in a pick-up with trailer attached (and my precious Harley inside). Well I did manage to make it across all lanes and onto the off ramp, barely, without taking anyone out or myself and my bike was just fine. Needless to say I have agreed to go on another trip with these folks this summer, but I am riding my bike the whole way.

Ride Motto? Ride like there’s no tomorrow! And as a wise old woman once said, “Always ride with people who have small bladders.”

Ride Advice? For those of you ladies out there who may be contemplating getting your own — GO FOR IT. Don’t be afraid to try it. I would definitely suggest that you take the motorcycle safety instruction course. I took it in Tri-Cities because I couldn’t get into one in Yakima soon enough before I got my bike. I would say it should be a requirement for everyone before they get a bike. Trust me there were guys in that class who did not pass but had bikes. Go see Don @ Owen’s — he can hook you up with a great bike that works for you.