Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/738714
36 nNovember 2016n www.thunderpress.net THUNDER PRESS by Janice the Utahrian If you've ever worked for the Federal Government in their acquisi- tion department, you would understand the necessity of taking some time off to become one with your bike after experiencing a fi scal year end. That level of stress can only be relieved by throwing your leg over your "Sanity" as my bike is aptly named, and riding off into the sunset. Or in this case, riding with your favorite riding part- ner to a great event like 2016's Street Vibrations, Reno. The smell of fresh, fully bloomed rabbitbrush and rain around the next bend was sweet perfume to my nose and soul. Did I mention around the bend? Well, if you ride Highway 50, appropriately named the "Loneliest Road in America," there aren't many bends. And when there is one, it gives way to yet another straight piece of road as far as the eye see, allowing you to go to uncharted places in your mind as there isn't much to look at other than maybe two birds and well— straight road. Perfect! We were lucky, for the most part, to dodge the drops during the rolling rain storm that stretched from Ely, Nevada, to Reno on Wednesday. Just a small glitch in what was otherwise some of the best riding weather ever. Reno's famous event offered impeccable timing to unwind, rock- out and roll-on while meeting up with good friends from California to share the experience. A true east meets west. Now, "What was the address of the hotel again?" "Where are you?" "We can't get there from here as all the roads are blocked." "What's that you say? Ride in like we own it?" Perfect! Despite gathering up and walking through the casino with overstuffed luggage (why did we bring so much scheissa?), helmets, cameras, and so on, hotel check-in at the Silver Legacy was a snap. They were very accommodating in quickly delivering a small fridge for our "medicine." Jack Daniel's Fire is considered a "medici- nal" necessity right? Breakfast at Starbucks under the beautiful stained glass dome of the hotel and we were off to the Cathouse Poker Run. One of the poker stop "establishments" produced a menu—a menu? Yes, a menu and wet T-shirts and whips, and not the licorice kind. As the poker run progressed, this Utahrian enjoyed reading interesting store signs we just don't get to see in Utah such as "Discount Liquor and Tacos," "Massage and Ice-Cream" and "Crazy Cat Dog Grooming." Next, on up and over the twisties into Virginia City for some to-die-for carrot cake at the Delta Saloon and a completely different experience than riding through town the following day when everyone was on the main drag waving beads and yelling something like, "Show your tips"—couldn't tell exactly from the roar of the bike pipes… Made it back just in time to catch the bike show award ceremony. Incredible works of art, both the bikes and award plaques. Les Covington, Michelle Avery and Mondo Porras produced one of a kind showpieces that would be cov- eted by any bike builder. To our dismay, Street Vibrations was quickly coming to an end and plans for riding with our California friends were made to share the road for yet a few more miles before we had to part and go our respective ways. Bishop, California, via the June Lake Loop was the perfect way to spend our last few miles together and were reminiscent of a West Coast ride that started a writing experience with Thunder Press a few years ago. The last supper at the Back Alley Bowl and Grill in Bishop, was at the recommendation of the hotel and locals alike. I kid you not, the local bowling alley grill—best food of the whole trip! Hugs and kisses with prom- ises to ride more together soon and we departed on our "straight as the crow fl ies" (seriously) ride back to Utah. An evening of a nice dinner at McDonald's—ha, and a little TV before tucking the bikes in and head- ing for bed ended with tuning into drag racing as Paul is a fan of anything to do with car racing, motors and fast; however there were no cars? Last day—spirits high, stress gone, seeing a sign as we leave a town that says next gas station 173 miles. Seriously? A quick tap on the Scala headset to confi rm if we each read that right. Glad we fi lled up before we left town! Then, out in the middle of now here is that one lone shoe tree. Yes, I said shoe tree. Watch for it next time you cruise through Hinckley, Utah. One last stop before reaching home with a few pictures of this spectacle was the perfect ending to a perfect trip. 4 18 arrests last year, four of which were felony related. All in all, a safe and fun event for the majority of event goers. Roadshows promoter, Randy Burke was pleased with this year's event; the weather was cooperative for the most part, there over 1,700 VIP registrants, over 50,000 attendees over the fi ve day event, 250 registered vendors, 130 cars and bikes in the auction and the 58 bikes in the bike show. Randy attributes the success of these events to key sponsors, some of which include, Sands Regency, GEICO Motorcycle Insurance, Coors Light, Apothic Wine, Reno Sparks Cab, Bacardi Rum, Coca- Cola, Ford, Silver Auctions, Battle Born Harley-Davidson and Chester's Harley-Davidson. A well-executed team effort and job well done. On a side note, both myself and my co-conspirator would like to give a special shout out and huge "Thank You" to Visalia Harley-Davidson and Battle Born Harley-Davidson who took care of some issues with our bikes while en route to this event and during the event, without both of these dealerships' willingness to go above and beyond to get us in and taken care of in such an expedient manner we would not have had an amazing time enjoying all that the Reno Street Vibrations event had to offer. We love our biker family and continue to be proud to be part of one of the most giving, caring, loving family of broth- ers and sisters around. 4 Street Vibrations Continued from page 35 STREET VIBRATIONS TRAVELS Perfect ride and a shoe tree Sanity, good friends and lonely roads Open Road + Shoes + Tree = Shoe Tree Cathouse Poker Run through Virginia City