Every Mile Is An Adventure
Lace Grace and Gears is celebrating their third year!
If riding is your passion and sisterhood your home, join us for an unforgettable weekend! Meet sisters from all over the country and get to know each other on a scavenger hunt team, on one of our breathtaking rides in the Texas Hill Country, and party together at our Sisterhood Bash on Saturday night. [Read more…]
The 2018 Progressive Motorcycle Show was February 2-4. Scott and I attended all day Saturday. We got there early because I had purchased the VIP ticket in order to get in early in hopes of snagging some photos before the crowd came in.
This year I decided to buy the VIP ticket which meant I would be able to get in with 49 other people 30 minutes early. During that time we had a tour guide that took us around the main areas of the show and gave us information about the vendors.
Is it worth the extra cost? YES! For me, it was great to be able to get photos for the blogs before the crowds gathered around. It’s always great to get shots of everyone looking around but I also enjoy getting pictures of the motorcycles and booths with any obstructions. The VIP ticket also included a gift bag of goodies including a voucher for a free IMS t-shirt. I will be buying a VIP ticket next year too.
Motorcycles are everywhere, old and new. J&P Cycles sponsors the Ultimate Build. The J&P Cycles Ultimate Builder Custom Bike Show is world’s largest motorcycle builder competition, featuring more than 350 motorcycles and $100,000 in cash and prizes across the IMS Tour. Professional and amateur builders compete at their local IMS for cash, prizes, recognition and a chance to move-on to the Championship Round in Chicago — where $70,000 in cash and prizes is up for grabs!
The IMS does a great job of pulling together vendors for everyone regardless of what type of motorcycle you ride or riding style. Scott and I planned our day at the show carefully to ensure we were able to get around to the shows we wanted to see and would still have time left over to meet with vendors, enjoy lunch together and we even managed to make time to sit down in between to relax and talk. You really can spend an entire day at the show and not get bored! This is a full listing of this year’s attractions.
I am not one to try any type of stunt really but the stunt show is one of my favorite parts of the show. The skill these riders shows is awesome. This was the last thing we did and it was the perfect ending to the day!
All in all, it was another great show!
This Lady Rides and Rumbling Rider have teamed up in a new series called Fill Your Tank. This series will take you on long and short rides to our favorite spots to eat, drink and relax. We wanted the first trip to be at one of our favorite and most visited spots, Red Hot & Blue. The ride it short, only about 8 miles, but it allows us to get out on the bikes after work or on a busy day when a long ride just isn’t an option.
Red Hot & Blue is a full-service, casual-themed restaurant chain and caterer featuring delicious award-winning ribs, Memphis-style barbecue, smoked wings, and Southern sides and desserts. The atmosphere is laid back and welcoming. Jazz music plays in the background but it is low enough that you can still have a conversation without having to yell.
Scott almost always get the dry rubbed ribs with fries and baked beans. The ribs are seasoned well and they have the best fries around! I like there chicken fried chicken but am open to trying a special when they have one. My sides are almost always the same, potato salad and okra or double potato salad.
If you prefer burgers they do have several to choose from and each one that I have had has been juicy and cooked as requested. The portions are very generous regardless of what you choose.
What has kept us coming back for 15 years? The restaurant is always clean, the staff is friendly, service is quick and the food is fabulous! If Southern hospitality and great food is what you are looking for Red Hot & Blue delivers!
It’s summertime here in Texas and that means it is hot and only getting hotter! It is so hot right now that riding is almost unbearable by mid day. So when we saw Fort Worth H.O.G. was having an ice cream churn off we couldn’t resist.
The event started st 11:00 with the churning and tasting began around noon. Everyone was given a tasting spoon and 7 small cups. Each churner gave us a sample of their ice cream. The samples were to allow us to pick our favorite one and to also decided on the most unique.
I’ll be honest I was expecting some simple flavors like chocolate, vanilla or strawberry. Not with this group. We had Health bar, Oreo, Peaches with roasted pecans, banana with chunks of real banana in it, Bourbon, Whit chocolate truffle fudge and butter pecan toffee. Even though dairy doesn’t really like me I went ahead and indulged with the samples so I could vote. After the voting was done we were given a bowl to go back through the line and fill up. I decided to skip that part other than getting another sample of the Heath bar.
Scott took the GoPro and made a short video while I was busy snapping the photos. I hope you enjoy it.
View all of the Ice Cream Churn Off Photos.
This was our first skills day of 2015. The morning started of chilly so I wore my face mask for much of the first hour. Despite the chill in the air we did have a pretty good size crowd.
We practiced u-turns, cone weave, off-set cone weave, right and left turns and 24′ key hole/circle. The off-set cone weave has been one of those obstacles that frustrated me. The first time I tried it I was mistakenly trying to get close to the cones and dropped by bike. Since then every time it has been set up I have avoided it for the most part. This time started off the same. I looked at Scott and told him ‘you know I can’t do this.’ He reminded me it was a mental thing and that since my bike can make the turns it was just a matter of me believing in myself and trying. Sigh…. I knew he was right so I watched a few road captains do it and then went for it. Guess what? I did it! When people say that 75% of riding maneuvers are conquered in the mind they aren’t kidding.
Next was the 24′ key hole. My first few attempts weren’t pretty but then I got it. I just need to work on my entry. I don’t turn my handle bars enough so I end up taking several feet away that would help me not hit the cones with my saddlebags.
By the end of the day I was feeling more confident about turning my handle bars sharper and my ability to control my bike. You can read more about why I try to never miss skills day on this post from July skills day. You can view all the pictures we took on Google+.
A few weeks ago our HOG chapter held its annual chili cook-off and monthly meeting. This is the first year we have gone to the cook-off and I am glad we did! It was fun to watch the cooks promote their chili, mingle with friends and attend our chapter meeting.
The day started off with the chili tasting. Each member was given four small Dixie cups and one plastic spoon. You went through the line stopping at each table for a cupful of chili. Some of the cooks went all out on their booth or table, a couple had muffins or tortillas, one had spices to sprinkle on top and one had muffins and jellies to go along with the chili and one just had a big pot of chili that he said didn’t need anything extra. I am not a chili eater so I didn’t try any of them but the people I talked to said they were all good.
After the tasting we headed inside for our monthly chapter meeting. During the meetings we hear from each officer about the previous month and about upcoming events. Several times we were encouraged to attend the February meeting because of some big announcements in regards to some changes and added patches/events. We really do have the best HOG chapter around so I am sure whatever they have planned is going to be great!
The meeting ended with the announcement of the chili cook-off winner. The top two winners will go on to represent Fort Worth HOG at the regional Chili cook-off. Want to know who won? You’ll have to check out the video below. A huge thank you to Scott for taking the video for me while I took pictures.
You can view all the images in the Chili Cook-Off album
Engines revving are you listening? In the street bikers gather, A beautiful sight, We’re happy this morning, riding in a Christmas Toy Run! Okay, so maybe they aren’t the best lyrics but you get the point! It’s time for a toy run and not just any toy run but the annual Wise County Toy Run!
This year was my second year to attend the event and despite the colder weather the crowd seemed to be larger than last year. The ride began in Decatur, TX at the middle school parking lot. As soon as we arrived we quickly began capturing video and photos. A quick note: We just added a video camera and two GoPros to our collection. This event was the first time I ever used the video camera so it is a bit jumpy; I promise to get better!
I wish I could adequately describe the feelings you have at an event like this. There is such a sense of brotherhood and togetherness. This year I set out to try and capture that. I want people to see something besides the stereotypical idea that seems to permeate society in regards to bikers. While capturing the images I tried to be respectful and ask before taking photos when it was a facial close up. At first I was nervous about approaching anyone but that quickly wore off when I saw how excited everyone was to have their picture taken!
The Bikes started assembling at 10:30 and Bike Show begins at 11. Scott and I walked around, said hello to friends and tried to meet as many people as we could. While we walked around the parking lot something was going on all around us! This is where the bike show was judged, a band was playing and donuts and coffee and other drinks were for sale. You could also buy a raffle ticket in hopes of winning a trailer!
As I walked around looking at all the different people and listening to them talk one thing was for sure, everyone there had a heart for the event and helping the kids. If you watch tv or listen to the news you wouldn’t expect to see this many different MC’s, groups, and clubs working together but they were. Hugs, pat on the backs and hand shakes were being given out like candy.
At 12:30 the ride to Bridgeport began. As the bikes started up we got in position to record the bikes rolling out for the parade style ride. As you view to the video you’ll hear the engines being revved, see smiling faces and lots of people waving! As the parking lot cleared out Scott and I raced across the parking lot to hop on our bikes and catch up.
The ride is about 10 miles long but because of the large amount of bikes it goes fairly slow. We had a police escort which helps ensure safety for the bikes, spectators and other vehicles. Intersections are blocked by the police and DPS officers. Once we reached Bridgeport City Park we found a spot to park and again pulled out the cameras and started mingling. I even got my picture taken with Santa, I don’t think I’ve done that since I was VERY little. The park has a big shelter house with a stage and tables and chairs. This is where all the gifts were deposited. In order to get in you have to either donate a gift or $10 per rider.
The event organizers did a great job! There was plenty of parking, restrooms, free chili, vendors, CMA motorcycle drill team, free door prizes, V NOSE trailer raffle ($10 a ticket), music and more. As we got ready to leave I was already thinking about next year, that’s when you know you have had fun!
Since Scott and I were both taking pictures and we had so much media we decided we would combine our photos and link to the one location from both of our sites. Video however will be independent of each other so you’ll have to visit each site for that, and our write-ups too! Visit Rumbling Rider for Scott’s write-up and video.
We uploaded the pictures at a very high resolution so you can download them if you see something you like and want to make a print from it. The pictures are free but we do ask if you use them that you give us credit by including the link to our sites as a courtesy.
First I am sorry it has taken me so long to get this up! October is a really busy month for me with work and on top of that Scott and I have taken on several projects around the house. That means sometimes the blog post don’t go up as quickly as I would like.
Fort Worth HOG Chapter Picnic, it is without a doubt an event I look forward to! This was my third year to attend, second on my own motorcycle. As in previous years it was an exciting and fun packed day!
The morning started off a bit cold so we were pretty geared up, at least I was! We met at the dealership and rode as a group out to Canyon West Golf Course. The fun always starts off with a one-of-kind ride; we ride the motorcycles along the cart path, all 18 holes! I went ahead and parked my bike for this and hopped on the back of Scott’s. I like being able to get pictures along the path and you can’t do that and maneuver the bike. I think most of the golfer’s enjoy it as much as we do. Each year we stop at a waterfall area and take a group picture. I was thankful for the stop because I really needed to stretch my legs. I forgot what it was like to ride as a passenger.
After the golf course ride we began the bike games. Scott and I each signed up our bikes for the Slow race. The slow race is the only solo event; I am not great at it but I was determined to try! Going as slow as you can is a lot harder than it looks and if you put your feet down you are out. I made it to the end without putting my feet down but was just a tad to fast to win. That’s okay there is always next year! Scott however did a great job at the slow and steady and took first prize.
After that every event was as couples: 2 up slow race, ball drop, road kill toss, and wiener bite. I enjoy all of them except the road kill toss. You have to wear these goggles that distort your vision and it really messes with your mind , or at least it does mine! Beth, was sweet enough to take some pictures of scott and I as we participated. Thank you, Beth! Scott got some video of the wiener bite and road kill toss. It really is hilarious to watch!
As mentioned about riding the cart path most of these games were done with me as the passenger. It definitely was different being on the back of the bike and having no control over it. My legs cramped more and it was hard to remember to be still! Often times people assume the passenger can do whatever they want back there but in actuality every move they make can affect the bike, especially when trying to go slow! The other thing is the view; as a passenger your view in front of you is obstructed by the rider. I noticed this a lot when I was taking pictures.
After the games finished up we had lunch and our monthly chapter meeting. Prizes were given out along with the raffle ticket drawings. Scott and I won 3 out of 5 events so we were pretty excited about that!
There were 2 non riding games after the meeting consisting of poke & run and a water balloon toss. This year the men carried the poker while the woman held the toilet paper roll. Scott and I didn’t make it very far in the balloon toss, I think he wanted to see it pop on me!
It was a great day and I am very thankful to our HOG chapter, Fort Worth Harley and of course our road captains and officers for all the time and effort they put into making it such a great day for all of us. On the ride home I kept replaying the day in my head and as I stretched out my legs realized how nice it was nice to be back on my bike! Scott is a fantastic rider and I always makes me feel safe but I like riding my own too!
I have heard many women say they don’t want to give up the comfort of riding as a passenger but if you haven’t ridden yourself you have no idea what you are missing. There are advantages to both, what woman doesn’t want to wrap her arms around her man and enjoy the view around or have fun playing bikes games at an event. On the flip side is being able to control your bike yourself, an unobstructed view, even the feeling of leaning into a corner or curve feels different as the rider and I can always wrap my arms around Scott at the next stop!
Either way you go, rider or passenger, enjoy the ride and stay safe!
I took a LOT of pictures and instead of picking and choosing I went decided to just upload them all. Some are a little blurry because they were taken from a moving motorcycle as I tried not to move too much. If you find yourself in one feel free to copy it. If you choose to post one online please link back to my site or at least give This Lady Rides credit for taking the image. Scott’s video of the event can be found in his post on Rumbling Rider: Fort Worth HOG Chapter Picnic 2014
Full Screen view looks best!
This weekend was fantastic! You know the ones that you look forward to for days; well this was one of those. Scott called me from work midweek and asked if I wanted to take a ride with some friends on Saturday. He said they had invited us to ride out to the Lewisville Western Days Festival. We have never gone so figured it would be fun. He then adds in “oh, by the way I hope you like the lineup, it’s Thompson Square and Kevin Fowler.” I seriously squealed like a little girl! He knows how much I like country music and especially Thompson Square! I spent the rest of the week excited!
We were meeting up around 4:00 Saturday for dinner but instead of just hitting the interstate and heading straight there we took the back roads to get there. We arrived at the meetup spot with just enough time to top our gas tanks off. When Charles and Janet got there we decided to go to Texas Roadhouse for dinner. It was fun to chat and eat dinner with another couple that have many of the same interest as us.
The ride between Texas Roadhouse and downtown was short. One of the advantages to being on a bike was being able to squeeze into a small parking spot right by the gate, score! When we got to the gates I was immediately stopped for my camera because it has a detachable lens. After some talking security came over and gave me the go ahead to take in. That was a huge relief because I didn’t want to leave it in my saddlebag and I was looking forward to taking lots of pictures!
We walked around visiting the booths, checking out the merchandise to make sure we didn’t miss anything that we might not be able to live without. They had lots booths with food and drink samples including some delicious looking red velvet cake but I was too full from dinner to sample any. I did however gladly take a glow stick and some sunglasses. We signed up for a few drawings at the 99.5 booth but didn’t win anything. 
As night drew closer the crowd grew larger and the excitement in the air grew to match it. We found a place to stand a few minutes before thompson Square came out and slowly moved our way towards the stage as we could. I tried to get some pictures but being 5’1″ made it pretty much pointless. Scott could see my dilemma and offered to get some pictures for me! He always comes to my rescue! 🙂 
Kevin Fowler came on after Thompson Square and when he did the crowd went wild! I have never seen him perform so it was exciting. He definitely knew how to work up the crowd and keep them excited. About 5 minutes after he started playing Charles came over and gave me shirt he had gotten for me. He picked it out spespecificallynce I am working on getting my CHL. after the concert we got to meet Kevin and have my shirt signed! 
It was around 1:00 am by the time we got back on the bikes to head home. The ride home was about an hour and most of the was going 75mph on the tollway. The roads were pretty much empty making the ride home even more enjoyable. It was one of those days that you don’t want to end but of course it does. It took us another 30-40 minutes to wind down but when we did we were out!
