SURPRISE DING!



Ding greets Billy

IGNACIO, COLORADO SOUTHERN UTE TRIBAL FAIRGROUND THOROUGHFARE---He howled the minute he heard the sound of the aged yellow beast and then came bounding out of the shop, through the entrance gate and bear-hugged a man he hadn't seen in three years. Weeks ago, U.S. Marine Billy Gray and I hatched a plan that had Bill driving more than 1,000 miles from Hondo, Texas, to surprise Ding. Bill and I texted and talked repeatedly and I tracked his whereabout until he landed at the thoroughfare last night about 6 p.m. For warriors who have been in the thick of war's grips and forged brotherhoods that span more than 20 years, face-to-face time is precious and needed for the souls. These Marines are having a blast together! As for the rest of the story - as Paul Harvey would say in that radio voice - the rally has started slow. I shot a picture yesterday of a masive, nearly empty parking lot where I hope and pray several thousand bikers will be sitting soon. That said, we have been steady thanks to the great location on the thoroughfare and our signs and fliers. Our vending space looks as sharp as ever! As I write, they are starting an event in the adjacent arena in which bikers dismount their iron rides and take a shot at live bull riding. I'm  not sure how safe this is - one coordinator says all are welcome to try so long as they're not too drunk. I've moved Ding's EMT bag to the front of the BFT in case medical attention is needed. The tribe members have been very kind and I believe a stroke of good fortune came our way when the head spiritual leader came in for a front tire today. It was nice that Ding asked the gentleman how the group's sunrise prayer service had gone (naturally, I have no earthly idea what occurs at that time of day). Our patch-sewing neighbors did a nice job on Bill's vest with three new items and snap buttons, and the shock folks to the east are friendly and visit occasionally. Tonight the Blue Brothers tribute band plays and the crew haseen patrollin thefairgrounds in an old car, announcing via bullhorn - just like in the movie - that the Blue Brothers are here. We had great pulled pork for lunch and steaks are for dinner (a tradition after we've made our rent money). Bob the Dog and Thumper are the only critters allowed in the rally and we have to keep them leashed most of the time but they are still having fun in this hot, sunny weather. That's all for know folks. Do us a favor and use your social media accounts to tell everyone to head to Ignacio and then Reno Sept. 19. More soon from the thoroughfare.....Hol, Ding, Billy, Bob and Thumper

Ignacio Bike Week

DATELINE IGNACIO, COLORADO, SOUTHERN UTE TRIBAL FAIRGROUNDS---Does she look familiar? She shouldn't. It's alarming to turn the corner on the thoroughfare at Igancio Bike Week and see this mug. No worries, she's one of many mannequins utilized by Howlin Helmets, a high-end helmet maker across the way. Here's the skinny. We landed in Ignacio, the head rally peeps surveyed our rig and promptly upgraded us from downtown to the rally fairgrounds. And we aren't just anywhere on the native dirt, we are the very first, most visible vendor in the entire joint! In exchange, despite the pleadings from our lawyer and insurance agent, we are co-sponsoring an INDOOR burnout pit. That just means we hang a sign, volunteer our tow services and pray to the rubber gods that plenty of machisimo-thill seeking dudes blow out tires while spinning in a circle and ramping up every gear they can (video forthcoming). And yes, hold harmless contracts have been printed en masse. The tribal fairgrounds are nice digs. They have vendors in and around their racetrack, an area for games and such for children, food and other vendors. Our setup is the first anyone will see after buying their rally bracelet. Across from us is a patch dude, who is flanked by the helmet folks. Next to us is J.D. "Junkyard Dog," who has patented his own motorcycle shock absorber system. You can literally flip a switch and have your ride go up or down. LED guys next to J.D. The young men from the "adult" store stopped by and dropped off biz cards. Rally officially kicks off tomorrow at 9 a.m. Rally gate opens at noon. I'm not sure what will unfold here. We had our first customer tonight (that can be a good sign) but this is a rally that is rebuilding itself after some tough years. The weather is typical Colorado - hot as all get out, then windy, rainy and finally cool. I have a gut feeling that something surprising will happen tomorrow and in the long run, we may fare OK. The rally folks, like Iowa, are bending over backwards to make sure we are takin care of. Our setup here looks as good as it ever has, for which I am proud and grateful. The proceeds here will go to the Ignacio Chamber, a non-profit that pours funds back into the community. The town looks good, the tribe thriving and there is a helluva good deli down the road that is run by a screaming New Yorker and his wife. One of the better Philly cheesesteaks (and a grinder) we've had this far west. Tell your friends and neighbors and others to ride to the Four Corners this week. Steep discounts abound! Doggies are well and Ding and I sleeping solid, eating better and enjoying this second half. More soon from the front. Ding, Hol, Thumper and Bob....(hi to Mouse the cat!)

You can learn and change...it's weird

The BFT at Durango KOA

DATELINE DURANGO, COLORADO --- As much as the rule of thumb is so-oft true about bugging out of Las Vegas, most weddings, and a majority of family functions within a strict 48-hour period (to savor the joy and prevent the, well, you know) leaving Cortez and some of our folks was a real bummer (but there is good news). We took the air, had good coffee and lox and bagels and reluctantly bade a slow farewell to Dean and Fran and Ben "Benny Benny Binon, Big Ben, Benny Hannah, Ben Hur" - the bearded collie. Dad and Fran and the Benster made it home to Phoenix safe and sound. Mike and Bobbie headed to Durango to visit friends and we hatched a plan to camp again together at the KOA outside Durango. Very nice facility. Don and I ran errands in town all day after a nice lunch date for two at the Carver Brew House - on the shaded deck - and then I called a former student who works at the Durango Herald. Jimmy and the investigative reporter partner Jordyn came to camp and regailed me with stories about the former crew from CSU. There are only a few times in the life of a teacher - not that I ever really called myself that - when one is privy to some of the long-term good work that she or he did. Jimmy and Jordyn turned out well. They care about newspapering and doing it well. Proud of both of them - she is the business and in-depth reporter and he the part-time sports reporter and page designer. Naturally, Jimmy rued about having to type sports agate and whined about an anal-retentive editor but I shared that I, too, started in sports, typing agate and working for an editor who knew how important scores, standings and trades are... Alas, Jimmy may drive south to Ignacio, 30 miles or so, and try rally work with us later this week. We set up in Ignacio tomorrow and I have faith. Talked to Bo the Pin-striper today and he will meet us in Texas. Dragon the Nor Cal wrench will see us in Reno and I must shoot plenty of pics for Terri and John, the TNT Tattoo crew who we hope to see in the off season and beyond. If anyone is unclear about our rodeo, rent the HBO series' Carnivale and Deadwood. It's the Wild West/slash/Americana/depression/roadie life. Gotta get keyed up on rally time. Send up supplications or bow to the buddah or kiss the dirt - whatever it takes - we need the offerings. Thanks everyone, it's appreciated. When we make a buck or two on the road, after paying The Man, it will be a hellava party on us....Cheers from road....Ding, Hol, Thumper and the BOB

Don't judge what u don't know..right?

DATELINE CORTEZ COLORADO---My honest assessment of the family camping was that all went more than well. I liked that on the second night my father proclaimed at the supper table that the ordained minister at the table would say grace - he was referring to Fran not Mike - and what came next was comforting (Mike's last journey was Bogata and the mission sounded wonderful). Fran said grace and a pleasant, detailed conversation about travel and faith came about between most of us. It's a big deal when in-laws and in-laws find common ground. I kept having thoughts about my Mom when everyone - nearly everyone- at the table started discussing education. In our ways, at various teaching levels and such, we had plenty to say. Mom would have like this meal. We supped on Italian food and a 12-year-old bottle of Cab Sav that Brother Guy and Sister Jan gave us. It was butter. Thank you. I have come to know more about life on this thread and I am grateful. The Daileys did the Mesa Verde and Pop, Frannie and Don and I took a drive to Delores. The old Hollywod bar burned down (devastating) but we rebounded with an anchovy pizza and foreign beer on the river-front. The Broncos played - end of story. Fran rode the Harley with Don,,,,More soon =Bon Thumper, Ding, Hol

It's the Journey, folks

A gap in the Rockies in northern New Mexico near Chama. Gorgeous.

KOA PRESIDENTIAL AWARD WINNING CAMPGROUND FOR 2012, CORTEZ, COLORADO ----Aah, where did we last leave off? In Ding's words, we were "slothful" for staying an extra night at the U.S. Air Force Academy. Does the Lord (Lord-ess?) really believe that when one is on "days off" with new shoes on the BFT, a light rain falling and too much Deadwood to re-watch that we are committing a sin? I think not brethren and sisterhood, I think not. Alas, the down time did have its reprecussions. Thursday was a heckuva press south. Cousin Don Clark met us in south Colo Springs and confirmed the route to Four Corners. His advice was right on but our handling of the pilgrammage, less so. Yes, the grades of the passes were do-able but we - I say we - underestimated time and fuel useage. We spent about 10 hours in the Big Boy Truck - stopped for some really decent green chili in La Jama - and then headed for Chama, New Mexico. We almost made it. The picture above is a Ding sighting from our location 10 miles from Chama where we ran out of gas. The gauges said we had a quarter tank - not! A friendly from down below for a few bucks brought five gallons of diesel up country to us and we were on our way. Ding wanted to press all the way to Cortez but I squirmed and writhed enough in front seat about midnight and he pulled over. The four of us - humans and dogs - crashed hard and slept well. We pulled into KOA in Cortez about 11 a.m. and were warmly greeted by Mike and Bobbie (and Mouse their cat on the dash board). It was a work day for us but a nice dinner with Idaho steaks from the Daileys, great salad, bread, a little Malbac wine and cheese and pleasant conversation. The word in the hood is that sourdough pancakes and Vermont maple syrup are on the horizon. It's a nice campground with a dog park and swimming pool and the humans and critters appear pleased. Dad and Fran are hopefully en route from Phoenix and they will bunk Saturday and Sunday in a small cabin next to us (Ben, the dog, too). I hope to fly fish the Delores River tomorrow and have a cold beer at the Hollywood Tavern while Ding and his peeps hit Mesa Verde, am amazing place to hike and tour. Seafood boil and campfire, as well as a 12-year-old California red from by brother, are on slate for tomorrow night. Yes, we are living large for the moment. It's earned. Come Monday, we return to hard work. Setting up for Igancio and the Four Corners Rally and prepping for Reno. Besides matching the hatch, I stealthly work with the lesser gods to make watching the Broncos pre-season game on Sunday in camp here possible, Mike and Bobbie have television and Bronco-itis. Yes.....More soon from the not-so-front...KOA/Disneyland....Albert Donald Ding Dailey, Hol, Thumper and Bob.

The northern New Mexico countryside.

Ding does care about the Broncos!

Headed to Cortez on the way to Mesa Verde.

Hey, here's the author with a sunflower in her hair.

He's a Marine!

Buffalo jump site

BFT at USAF campsight

Here we are!

A little B-52 on the way in!

More buffalo jump site - amazing!

UNITED STATES AIR FORCE ACADEMY COLORADO SPRINGS (IN THE WOODS)---Well....In my father's eloquent words, it was a "major brain fart!" The Dinger and I are currently in residence at the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. While we were totally aware that we could access military bases across the country for various goods and services, we came to the party a bit late on the fact that the government offers its warriors amazingly cool - and CHEAP - camping. After being told by a Vanessa at Fort Carson that it would cost $75 a night to camp there (Ding paid $125 a MONTH to camp in Twentynine Palms back in the day) I called the Falcons. Michelle said "come on down" and we did. In fact, I can honestly say it's the prettiest camping we've done so far. There are views of the Rockies and Pike's Peak, big timber trees, large spaces and liberal neighbors (liberal in the dog-not-on-a-leash, cribbage board competitive, explicative yelling sense). We spent two nights at a nice KOA in Fort Collins, where the Dinger reshod the BFT. We have bigger more bad-ass tires and wheels now - much safer! I've reached another level of maturity and invited an ex to supper at KOA. Naturally, the Dinger and Steele got on very well. Never hurts when you pair two gun and rare red meat nuts. We stopped in Denver and brew pubbed and supped with cousins Kit and Ariel and our webmaster Bear before landing at the USAF. I made the Dinger stop at the gate so I could shoot a photo and document our adventure. As a former tree hugging, bra-burning third-wave feminist, I was surprisingly proud when Albert Donald Dailey showed his credentials and the young man in uniform thoroughly saluted my long-haired, bearded, grease covered Harley officer husband. We should have bugged out today after getting my military spouse ID (for those who know my history, this is an epic turn of faith) but, instead, we sat inside the BFT and listened to the rain, the silence and our computer key tapping. I've contacted cousin Don Clark, formerly of New Mexico, now of Colo Springs, and we will meet him for coffee in the A.M. He's helped us map a route to Cortez, where we will meet up with Dad, Fran, Bobbie and Mike. I've got jumbo shrimps and lobster aboard for the KOA DCC Seafood Boil 2012 and plenty of lox and bagels for Pop. Seeing the Dinger slow down for a couple days has been glorious. He's sprawled in the Cal King now with Thumper, watching a movie. We do Cortez for a couple of days and then onto Ignacio. Send up those supplications folks.....More soon....Hol, the Dinger, Thumper Woo and Bob "I'm no longer Bob Marley with dreadlocks" the Dog.

We're Alive

RIVERTON, WYOMING---It took three days but we finally broke camp in Belle Fourche, paid the tax man and headed west. We've landed in Riverton, Wyoming to do some BFT maintenance and repairs, inspect and expand on signage, defrost fridge, waterproof the BFT roof, mount a stereo and prep for the Four Corners Rally in Ignacio. It's been 73 days since we left Wyoming and then returned. We are nearly halfway through the tour, which amazes me. Ding and I are at our best when there is a lot of work to do and plenty of customers but, like many, we struggle when weather and other delays force us inside the box to stare at movies for too long or ride in the big truck with the dogs for days on end. The partnership instruction manual should be clearer on those topics of discussion that are mandatory before the nups. It's not enough to come to terms of agreement or disagreement on religion, politics, money and kids. One needs to consider and plan very carefully a life that has you spending every hour of every day together. It takes patience, consideration and knowing when to take a break by yourself. We are getting better at this....
I'm currently holed up in a nice room at the Sundowner Station - one of those style properties that seem to be fading away with the onslaught of corporate chains. The rooms are big with comfy beds and a sliding door leading onto a nice lawn and patio with flowers for me to smell and grass and ponds for Thumper and Bob. There is a good restaurant and bar on site. The weather is sunny and only 75 degrees and there are no flies. The plan is to leave here by Monday or so, hit Denver for supplies, mail and a visit with cousins and the webmaster Bear. We will blaze south into New Mexico and come back up into Colorado on the western slope. No way in h-e-double hocky sticks are we dragging the BFT over any mountain passes. Looking forward to a brief camping trip near Mesa Verde with Dad, Fran, Bobbie and Mike. I hope to fish a little, play some cards and eat well. We will head to Ignacio after that, around the 28th and set up for rally. As we did in Belle Fourche, we will be away from the action (I'm not paying 5 grand for a booth spot). This time, we found a landowner with a lot on the main drag in town (rest of action is at Ute Fairgrounds about two miles away). Our camp will be across from the Teepee Lounge. Still no leads on a crystal ball for my fortune-telling business but I am considering a rickshaw to shuttle people over to other food and drink sites, as well as a popcorn maker and hot dog cart. Check out the website for more pictures and tour update soon. Take care and thanks again for all the well wishes....Hol, Ding, Bob and Thump

Long way round - This guy flew from Australia to Cali, bought a Harley, came to Sturgis, had us do a tire and then was heading east to find a boat or plane to get his hog home.

Sturgis was busy this year but not near as much as it has been. We rode in one night - should have been crazy busy - and were able to park right in front of a bar we wanted to go to. Normally, one would park and walk for blocks to get here.

Sturgis on days before rally started.

Seth Bullock's place in Deadwood.

One of several photos Ding shot last Sunday while riding in Black Hills with John and Mack.

Falls in the hills during Ding's ride.

Turn out the lights, it's time to....

pico de gallo and guac

margarita glasses for carnies



deep fried cheese and shredded beef tacos




Men and snacks- Ding to the right and John assessing guacamole

DATELINE---BRANDING IRON SALOON SOUTH OF BELLE FOURCHE SOUTH DAKOTA---I woke at 3:23 a.m. last night and the rain was pouring. I put some towels near the front door and watched another episode of Carnivale. We lowered the canopies and have basically started to break camp. It was a slow, meandering day that was really nice. Cool breezes and more quality time with new friends. Terri and I pulled down the shower; Mack took a putt over to Spearfish; and Ding and John tinkered with John's motorcycle. We came together early and suppered inside the tattoo home - very comfortable seating, big windows and a nice television on which we watched movies. The deep fried tacos, fresh gauc and pico de gallo and margaritas were a good call. We guilded the lily when Ding dug out the dark chocolate-covered pomegranite seeds. We spent more time talking and hatching future plans - laughing at the week's bizaareness- then anything else. Bob and Thumper are beyond swell. They rolled in mud; ate the fat and au jus from the meat and played all day with Mack and John. It's not the rally we thought it would be...Maybe better in some ways, eh? More soon.....Hol, Ding, Thump and Bob

Carnivale ala 2012

BRANDING IRON SALOON PARKING LOT SOUTH OF BELLE FOURCHE SOUTH DAKOTA--- I know, I know. I'm best served, and moreso our supporters, by blogging daily or at least every couple of days. For those who really know me, this technology, social media gig has been slow on the get-go and I have more days than not when I could absolutely give a rat's-a@@ about using the tools. That said, right now, with my hubby napping and my dogs snoring, inside of a meat locker cool trailer that has clean dishes and 10,001 dead flies hanging from the ceiling on sticky paper - I'm in the mood to write. What comes to mind most immediately is how utterly clearly you experience firsthand the on-going recession and rocketing unemployment rate while on the road. Sturgis - the grand-daddy of all rallies - is not the same run it used to be. I remember coming to this rally even five years ago and seeing a lot more people on the move, camping, spending money and partying. We had spells of time today in which the road was silent. This is a very eerie occurance as carnies. Normally, the roar of the road is constant, morning, noon and night. Business has been steady until this afternoon. We've made our nut but we are not on profit, yet. The TNT tattoo crew - wonderful folks named John, Terrie and Mack out of Illinois-ish - have been dreadfully slow. They are seasoned pros at this and take it in stride that some rallies and locations pull it in and some don't. In an effort to kick-start TNT, Ding and I did what our parents hoped we wouldn't and GOT TATTOOS! This time, I went with a small but brillantly colored sprig of holly. It's subtle, not in eyesight and very nice. It resides on my back with the others. After four combat tours that saw Ding wrestling the Middle East, he went with the Old English font of the word INFIDEL. He says the enemy wanted to "Kill the Infidels" so he believes branding himself clearly on the arm was a good way to let them know who to shoot at. It looks good and boy did he earn it. We will wrench a couple of more days and then likely take up residence at the Sunset Motel down the way. Ding's buddies Rob and Patty own it and they will give us a good non-rally rate, starting Monday. Since we did bring in a couple of bucks this week, I splurged and bought a huge hunk of meat for the crock. I will sear and then stew overnight in good beer and then tomorrow at the end of the day, I've promised homemade guac, pico de gallo, fresh-squeezed margaritas and shreadded beef tacos for everyone. The road has brought back my desire to cook. Now if only the magazine and book writing urge would reappear. That's about all I've got. We had breakfast for dinner last night - my egg, potato, bacon and grilled onion burritos - and then blazed into Sturgis for a look. You know it's a slow year when you can pull up and park right in front of your favorite rally bars. Didn't buy any rubber drums or tomahawks. I think tonight will be steak tips and salad from the Branding Iron and then maybe a nice shower in the rain tank Terrie and I built yesterday. Thumper and Bob swell. More at some point....Hol, Ding, Thumper and Bob

Food vendor fire

Forgot to post last week. Ding was in Rapid City at the Harley dealership Friday, I think, and went across the street to get a sandwich when he saw a fire start at the food vending booths. No one was injured but a propane tank was part of the problem. Bunch of food booths burned. Naturally, the food vending area is back up and running. Such is business on the road.

Sturgis-First official day

BRANDING IRON SALOON SOUTH OF BELLE FOURCHE, SOUTH DAKOTA --- Well, the first official day of the rally is almost in the books. We were steady for most of the day but by no means busy busy. Sunday was our best day so far. The TNT Tattoo crew got here last night - really nice people and a very nice shop, top-of-the-line seating and tools and they do excellent work. It was a warm one today in the 90s and more hot weather is predicted. The wind, thankfully, has calmed a bit. Not a whole more to report. Top photos are some of our first customers and bottom two show this stitch of a gal named Mo who takes a week off every August to stop working and mommying so she can come to Sturgis and let it all hang out. Nice gal. Thumper and Bob need baths but otherwise they are swell. Tattoo crew loves to play ball so those two are staying busy. Ding and I need baths, which we will do later tonight or tomorrow. Otherwise, keep your eyes peeled for a crystal ball. My father thinks I should don a turbin, hang a sign that says "Holly Tells All" and pay people to come sit with me whie I read their future. It's starting to sound like a fun sideline for when business is slow. Cheers!