Ho Ho Ho!

[hodakamax]

Ho Ho Ho! Tis the Season. OK, Max is close to the original Bah, Humbug guy. You know, A religious holiday that has somehow turned in to a commercial ritual where I have to buy socks or tie for my ex-brother-in-law. Thank goodness he's not still in the family. My wife has dug out the decorations both religious and Pagan Santa paraphernalia everywhere and this one made me laugh. Ho Ho Ho! These guys on the teeny tree also make me smile. They were collected one or two at a time at an local annual Art Fair and are part of Christmas even though Pagan.

Well, there you are, some early Christmas thoughts for my friends on the Forum. Best Wishes to all is the message from Eweleen and Max! Happy Holidays!

PS--Actually those silly frogs are a gift from Christmas past and so included.

[viclioce]

Ho Ho Ho!!! Maxie! Merry Christmas!!!

Does anyone know where I can find more roads like this? (See sign!) It says “Curves Ahead, next 140 Miles!!! Victor

[hodakamax]

Victor, Arkansas would be near the top for that type of sign. Looking back it's a wonder we all survived all that silliness of the time! One notable moment was after a many mile way too fast blast through the curves and stopping for a break, a police cruiser followed us to a halt. He walked up to me and said with a smile "Crotch rocket heaven!" My answer was "Thank you sir, I thought you were taking us all to jail!" He laughed and told me about his Kawasaki 600 and more good roads. One of my favorite motorcycle stories!

Maxie

[viclioce]

We were riding the 3 Sisters in Texas Hill Country near Kerrville & Luckenbach. A few of us split off and went one way, while others went the reverse loop.

Those poor guys hit a section full of bicyclists and an old station wagon rolling behind them. The driver of the car and the bicycles all pulled to the shoulder, & the driver waved the 7 motorcycless on to pass the group of bikes. But, it was a two lane, no passing zone. And Barney Fife was waiting just ahead in some trees.

The 7 motorcycles pulled out to pass, without encroaching into the oncoming lane, and below the posted speed limit, but Barney would have none of that.

He pulled all 7 bikes over & issued citations to the first and last motorcycle. Everyone was pissed off, including the driver of the car. Since everyone in the group had out of state plates he knew no one would stick around to contest the ticket.

Some folks just learn to be A$$ holes and get off on being one. You guys were lucky to get someone who was a rider! Victor

[hodakamax]

One more story Victor. On one trip the Arkansas State Trooper was not a motorcyclist but was a mid life or older adult like most of us. He seemed somewhat surprised at our age and politeness. He tried to be grumpy and had his job to do. Speeding, all 15 of us and not just slightly. Ton plus stuff. Not only is Arkansas curvy but the population is low in the countryside. No traffic to speak of and a double yellow almost continuous stripe that went on forever. No excuses here but it's hard to keep 15 Superbikes off the rev-limiter and no animals or people were hurt or injured in motorcycle heaven that day.

Being last in line and at least trying to look responsible, I was the first to have his license checked. The staunch and scary Trooper took a long look at my credentials and looked me in the eye. "Max, you're going too damn fast" he said. He had only recorded the first guy to pop over the hill and wrote him a whopper if somewhat reduced (in MPH) ticket. Being a photographer I documented the event and ticket writing. The Trooper finally did lighten up and gave us an estimate of the ticket with a smile and did give us a big lecture about slowing down. The bill was about $20 apiece times 15 riders and we all donated to the ticket recipient and leader. We all did well. If I'd been the Trooper and did my job, I'd been considering putting the whole bunch in jail for our stunt. I guess it's what side of the fence you're on.

The story is from many years ago and fortunately most of us lost our need for speed and went on to be responsible citizens believe it or not. That's another one of our many adventures in the state of Arkansas---Motorcycle Heaven!

Confessions from the past---Maxie