Diva rides to Sturgis, South Dakota

Sturgis celebrated it's 68th anniversary this August, and I rode there from Park City to join in all the activities. Sturgis, South Dakota is the Mecca for all motorcyclists and I suggest for all who are curious to attend at least once in a lifetime. Some want more and attend every year. I didn't have a formal booth, but my hats were with Hawg Tyd under Paula's watchful eye out at Black Hills Harley Davidson. I also donated hats and beater T-shirts for the Breast Cancer Ladies Day at TOP 50.

My ride over took 2 days--it's approx. 700 miles--stopped in Lander, Wyo. first day lunch, Gannet Grill-- on Hwy 28 and 789. Wolfgang would love this stop--it's on Main street--an old bar with hearty home made food. Stopped for the night in Thermopolis, Wyo. This place is famous for having the largest hot springs in the world--love that sulphur smell! Checked in to the Holiday Inn --nice to park right in front of the room,--but the hotel is in sore need of a heavy duty remodel...it's a dump! Nicest place to eat was in our hotel--Safari Club--good news ---free coupons for wine at dinner---bad news...wine choices were chablis, rose, and burgundy!!

Second day ride was a lot nicer than first--went over Powder River Pass, past Big Horn Ski Area--Hwy 16--so chilly, I thought it would snow.I had to stop and layer up!! Down the hill into Buffalo and I90 heading east. I needed a tire for my rear and found Woody at his shop in Sundance, Wyo. He and his crew were great about getting me back on the road in less than an hour--Woody loved riding my Diva Glide through his neighborhood...takes a real man to do that! Got stopped by Wyoming Highway Patrol--going 82mph in a 75mph on the interstate. The officer loved my bike and just gave me a warning!! I was not so lucky a few days later and got a ticket for 47mph in at 35mph--in South Dakota--this officer liked the bike...but not enough to let me off!!!

First stop was in Spearfish, S. D. to visit with Paul Yaffe and Susie Q. at the Holiday Inn--then up to Hamster Hill. I signed the banner they had in Click's garage, shed more tears for him and all of us who miss him terribly. Afterwards, I ran into the Ness girls--lots of hugs and discussion of my latest "bling" creations. Off to find my place to sleep for the visit in Sturgis. I was lucky enough to stay in the big house Laura and Brian Klock had rented for the event for their staff and strays. I am their "Diva" stray--and was happy to have a quiet place to rest my weary head...even if it was 1.5 miles on gravel--I didn't need to cocktail anyway!!

First night --found Shelly and staff out at Thunderdome and tagged along to the VIP viewing area for KID ROCK concert out at the famous Buffalo Chip campground. Thanks to Christian of Sucker Punch Sally's who had the party at the VIP area---we were able to see the Kid really well. He rocked for hours--he loves this gang--as they can rev their engines to show support and appreciation for him!

Next morning was the Bike Builder's Breakfast at the Broken Spoke in Sturgis. I saw all the boys and will write a separate blog about the event---it was a success and great to see them--and they got to see the Diva Glide--as I had a primo parking spot in front thanks to Jim Betlach, Darcy's dad--Darcy did a great job bringing all the guys together!

Time to cruise Main in Sturgis--what a feat--so crowded--got interviewed by local T.V. station--and the crowd liked the bling on the Diva Glide! I parked the bike at the Arlen Ness rig and went to visit my buddies--including Betty and Charlie over at Lindy Bars--and my 4 legged boyfriend, Sparkey. Couldn't quite get in to the fine cuisine on Main--fried pork chops and turkey legs--at least there was fresh squeezed lemonade! Took off to be with Shelly inside her rig (from Destination Daytona HD) and experienced a severe tornado warning...sirens and all. Thank goodness the hail didn't happen--lots of bikes outside-- I rode mine into the Thunderdome for protection--meanwhile, became a part of the Motorcycle as Art show by Michael Lichter. He did a great job--nice appetizers, great company , and beautiful photos and bikes to marvel. Storm cleared and we were able to ride home after all.

Next morning I visited everyone at Black Hills Harley Davidson. My hats were on display with Paula, saw Mark at Big Ear, and met Cody and Vinnie from V-Force--they used to be with Orange County Choppers. Vinnie's dad (Mr.D) is their sales manager-- we had a nice visit. Best part of a very full day was my 1.5 hour massage in Rapid City--the only way this Diva gets through it all. I had a great respite from the heat and noise at Blue Sky Day Spa right on Mt. Rushmore highway. Took off from there to visit Mt. Rushmore--it is a phenomenal achievement--and I even met Nick Clifford who actually worked on the monument---he was in the gift shop at the memorial signing his book..he is 87 years young!! Hopped on the highway to ride the loop to Deadwood--it is a beautiful ride--woodsy and winding though the hills. Visited with Bandanna Linda at the KOA campground and had a nice dinner with brother Will from Aspen. Deadwood has such charm and tons of history--Calamity Jane and Buffalo Bill lived and died there.

Thursday was ladies day at Top 50 --rode in a breast cancer ride and met some incredible women. My son Sam will be excited to know I hung out with darling Jessie Combs who has had her own Extreme 4x4 show on TV--she actually designs and builds 4 wheel and 2 wheel designs. Laura Klock ( woman speed record on a bagger) led us on a lovely ride through the hills. Tyna Bower organized a nice auction, awards, and fashion show. I was flattered to be a part of it all. Save the boobs!!

Early to rise and headed out for Park City around 7am --I rode back the same route I rode there. It was great weather for the first half of the day--then rainstorms for the afternoon. I set an all time record for myself and rode 740 miles all in one shot. It was definitely the lure of sleeping in my own bed that kept me goin'.

I loved this trip--experiencing all I could in just a few short days. I will remember the smell of sulphur, fresh cut morning hay, pine trees on the mountain passes, and pungent sagebrush after the rains. My motorcycle family has grown with new acquaintances--and it was wonderful to see those I love and know already!

Diva's Links

http://www.landerbar.com/ great lunch stop in Lander , Wyo.

Woody's Repair 307-283-2269 Sundance, Wyo. near border of S.D.

http://www.suckerpunchsallys.com/ cool bikes

http://www.blueskysalonandspa.com/ a must for Divas

http://www.lichterphoto.com/ Micheal Lichter motorcycle photographer

http://top50rallypark.com/ cool place to visit ecit#46 off I90 towards Rapid City

http://www.kustombaggers.com/ Laura and Brian Klock's company

http://www.jessiecombs.com/ metal fabricator and one hot chick!

Diva's photos

1. Too fast in Wyo.

2. Main St. Sturgis, south Dakota

3. Men of Mt. Rushmore

4. Diva Breast Cancer Riders posing for Michael Lichter

5. Is there such a place???

Watch for my next blog about the bike builders and all my fun photos!

Viva la Divas and.... watch your speed!!!!!

Travels with Diva and Diva Jr. to Southern California

Diva Jr. ( Adrienne) and I travelled to San Diego, OC, and LA last week.

We visited with my best buddy since high school and her other half-- Claudia and Bill Allen. We got to stay in their brand new "barn" on the estate where Bill grew up---Pottery Canyon in La Jolla. We frequented La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club--where we were treated like royalty--their member number is 5! It is a private beach club that also has a hotel for outside guests. There are many great things about this club--but the best part are the killer Mai Tais they serve at the bar --you only need one to set you free---especially nice for walking the beach at sunset. We even had our own b-b-q right there one lovely, gorgeous evening. Another night we went to the best "Locals" pizza joint--Carino's By the Sea. We had pizzas and fabulous antipasto salad--you can window shop for your Bugatti right next door! Another night we got spicy Mexican fare at famous Porkeyland--the best taquitos and carne asade --perfect for a mellow evening back at the barn. We also had breakfast at another La Jolla landmark called Harry's Coffee Shop. They serve everything from quiche to homemade hash--quite the busy place any morning!!

After a great visit in La Jolla--Claudia drove us to Solona Beach--made a little more hectic as the Del Mar horse races were in full swing. My dear pal, Julie King, who is the main buyer at Hansen's Surf and Sport picked us up in Solona Beach and drove us to San Clemente to my other dear pal , Patti Fisher's house in San Clemente. My other Diva Yaya Sisters joined us to "toast" Diva Teri Lyn's new darling store, Angelic, located in The District - Tustin. Great merchandise --apparel and accessories for women of all ages--we shopped and drank champagne to celebrate her store. Off to Bluewater Grill for dinner---fabulous pasta and fish and lots of wine---and of course yummy desserts.

A highlight of the trip was experiencing SEAL--his concert was at Pacific Amphitheater--had incredible seats---Aunt Susie went as well--and I actually was close enough to him--that he held my hand, looked into my eyes, and sang to me. For those of you who don't know--I am a SEAL stalker--I have seen him no less than 6 times--I love him! He found me because Heidi was in Germany filming-----haha!

I finished the trip off with an Amtrack ride to LA to meet with some of my suppliers and get some buying done--couldn't get out of there fast enough--too hot and sticky for the Diva. I must say the train takes the hassle out of the travelling.

Aunt Susie fixed her famous fish tacos for us and Daven--who lives downstairs from her--came as well. He is the head of all art direction at Volcum--and we love his body art. Famous tattoo artist,Kat von D, did the hula girl on his side.

It was a whirlwind trip, and we were so glad to get back to the clean, dry , cool air up on our mountain in Park City.

Diva Links:

http://www.ljbtc.com/ La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club

http://yelp.com/biz/porkeyland-restaurants-la-jolla

http://www.harryscoffeeshop.com/

http://www.hansensurf.com/

http://www.yelp.com/biz/angelic-tustin check this out for Angelic

http://katvond.net/ Famous tattoo artist

Addresses:

Carino's By the Sea

7408 La Jolla Blvd.

La Jolla, Ca. 92037

619-459-1400

Photos:

1. Claudia and Bill at sunset

2. Diva Yaya Sisters

3.Diva with Seal

4.Diva and Daven

5. New Peace and Love hat-- http://www.teamdiva.com/

Stay tuned as I ride to Sturgis next week!

Diva Amy

In Memoriam Click Baldwin

We have lost a wonderful man this week--Clifton "Click" Baldwin. He and his buddies were riding through Montana on their way to Sturgis and he had a fatal accident on his bike 2 days ago. He is survived by his wife, Diane, and daughter, Chelsea and an enormous amount of friends.

I met Click many years ago in Daytona--he had a Harley Davidson shaped heart and it was big enough to give love and happiness to all who knew him. He was such a colorful guy and loved to tell great stories about his experiences, travels, and his pride and joy--his family. He owned one of the best Harley Davidson dealerships, hung with Kyle Petty and the NASCAR gang, and always had time for a bear hug and a laugh----he was such a fun loving and humble guy who took care of everyone around him.

Click was a mans man and such a gentle man--if you ran into Click--you knew you were in for a good time--no matter how short or long your visit would be. You would also be guaranteed lots of laughs, hugs, and maybe a sip of the Crown.

He called me "The DIV" and I can tell you this--God broke the mold when he made this kind, sweet man. He has left a giant hole in my heart--and all of us will miss him every day. I can hear his voice--and it is with me.

If you Google Click Baldwin you can read about his life and many accomplishments and how he gave himself to many wonderful charities...

I feel blessed and so lucky to have known him.

Thoughts and love to Diane and Chelsea.

Article on Click ( R.I.P )
http://www.gastongazette.com

Amy Skaling