Author's note: For the non-motorcycle enthusiast, the name Sturgis probably won't mean a whole hell of a lot, but it is – trust me. Sturgis is the "largest motorcycle rally" in the world where the little town of Sturgis, South Dakota has its population increased by about 500,000 motorcycle riders each year in August.
With the exception of four of these rallies, I had been attending every year since the mid 80s. Military duty called twice sending me overseas, knee operation and job requirements were the other two. This one was an exceptional trip (1700 miles one way) unlike the ones before based on what occurred in-route.
It is lengthy, but for a first time submission, it will get better...Scout's...err, biker's honor.
Sturgis bound
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I had packed my clothes (food and my trusty Sig 40) and loaded the small trailer hooked to my Electra Glide that Friday after work, with the intentions of leaving out at the crack of dawn the next day, finally arriving at Sturgis on Monday ready to party! Let me tell ya, there's nothing like cruising the back roads and interstate on an HD (Harley Davidson) while checking out the beautiful scenery of the countryside and listening to music blaring. Not to mention the occasional vehicle with a hot looking female inside.
I cranked up Black Beauty, "BB" as I called her, with the trailer loaded with my essentials, straddled her and began my adventure before dawn Saturday morning with the intentions of putting 400 to 600 miles behind me before stopping at a KOA (Camp grounds of America) to pitch my tent and rest up for the night. BB was purring like a well fed kitten as I motored through the Florida panhandle stopping only for fuel and food at truck stops hoping to make it through Mississippi and into Arkansas for my first overnight stop. So far, so good.
Pulling into a truck stop the next morning to top off the tanks and grab a hot meal, I angled into a spot big enough for both after refueling and did a security check of my baby and the trailer, then checked my holstered Sig, concealed under my shirttail, should any dumb-ass dare touch her...We Harley owners are very particular about our baby.
Strolling up to the diner I first noticed her sitting on her backpack on the curb in front watching me as I approached. Long red hair pulled back with a blue bandanna revealed a very pretty (but very young) face with a hint of freckles here and there. The sweatshirt she wore hid any discernible features as to her rack, but the long legs in baggy sweats looked promising of a nice tush. Too young, I'm sure, for this 40 something "biker" most would say. So, I continued on in for a plate of greasy eggs, sausage and potatoes, and the biggest cup of coffee they might have. Grabbing a booth by the window, giving me a clear view of 'BB', I ordered and sipped my coffee.
I noticed her again minutes later, walking in the door when our eyes met. Continuing to the counter she spoke to the waitress who brought her a coffee and she turned her head looking my way. Now tell me what red-blooded American male wouldn't get the old pumper working faster with the possibility a fine young thing might be looking at him? Mine sure did.
As I sipped on my second coffee, she rose from her seat, backpack and coffee in tow and glided in my direction. Arriving at my booth, she smiled down at me and said, "Nice ride you got out there." The smile on my face was broad as any hog rider, hearing someone refer to her as "ride." Not many know that to be the proper description versus "bike". I thanked her and offered her a seat and more coffee. Continuing to smile, she sat down and said her name was Amber as she held out her hand. Taking her small dainty hand, I said, "I'm Mike and how did you know to call her a 'ride', being as how you can't be more than 20...24?" Seems her favorite uncle had one he rode her on when she was barely walking. But he was killed in Iraq. This brought up old pains of my own as I had served and been to the "sand box" in both Iraq, and Afghanistan. I told her I was sorry for her loss, but words cannot heal these type wounds. Losing a friend is one thing...losing a loved one is devastating. I steered the conversation in a different direction. I had to get going soon and didn't want to leave her with a bad taste.
As we talked longer, Amber said she was just traveling the country not sure of where she was going, when or if, she would stop. She then asked which way I was headed, her eyes widening when I said "Sturgis". Grinning broadly, she was yapping about how she had always wanted to go since her uncle always talked about taking her, but had died before he could. I was not ready for the questioned she next posed. "Can I ride with you? I promise I won't hinder you and I'll pay my own way plus give some money for gas and all." My brain began to conjure up all the 'what ifs' with either answer. But when a young gorgeous redhead looks at you with baby blues and a smile full of pearly whites, what do you do?
Now, I'm not young by any means (not over the hill either) but I am quite physically fit from my military days as well as my continued regimen of workouts, running and twelve years of Martial Arts training (old age convinced me to start packing a Sig – black belt or no – at least I wasn't crazy.) At 6' 3", and around 200 pounds, I could be quite a catch for the fairer sex, even though I was kinda sour on long-term commitments after my divorce 3 years prior. Besides, my heart belonged to BB. Guess I was pondering too long as her face took on the "Crush me, pops and say no!" sort of look. Rolling my eyes (dreading the 'what ifs') I smiled and replied "It's a long haul, get your pretty butt ready for going numb and keep your mouth closed to avoid bug stains on your teeth." She made a 'ewww' face then went back to that beaming smile. So we headed out to saddle up.
I loaded her backpack into the trailer, grabbed a helmet for her, all the while listening, but not, to her non-stop babble. I fired up 'BB', adjusted the stereo volume and we both mounted up...and off we went. It had to get better, right?
We stopped for fuel and dinner again just inside Missouri where she continued with her yapping right where she left off at the truck stop...same smile, same pretty (young) face. When she insisted on paying for her meal, I refused and reminded her she pitched in on the fuel and I wanted to make sure she had a good hardy meal for the next leg of the trip. I explained we would be stopping in Iowa for the night with plans on arriving at Sturgis by sundown on Monday.
The look on her face was "Am I going to stay in a motel, or sleep on the roadside with you and the other critters?" I smiled and told her about my tent and camping gear and assured her all would be well...at least I tried.
Finding a campground not far into Iowa, I estimated to be about 500 to 600 miles from Sturgis I pulled in, paid for the spot and began the setup for the night. Unhooking the trailer and setting up the tent, we decided to grab a bite to eat before calling it a day AND night. Arriving back later, I replenished the cooler on the trailer with ice and a twelve-pack of Bud Light as well as some chips and protein bars. Kicking back, I grabbed us a longneck and learned more about Amber, but saying little about me (been told most women prefer it that way). She was 24; college dropout (not her thing); lost her best friend in the world, her uncle, and gave up on boys before she even got off to a good start. "Too immature and wanting nothing but a piece of ass to brag to their friends about", she said.
Her eyes were misting as she spoke of her uncle more like a best friend than her mother's brother. How he always took her everywhere he went, bought her first bicycle, showed her how to work on engines and, with a sparkle in her eyes, the many times they went riding on his Harley. But she became quiet, tears forming in her eyes when she recalled how the military car drove up to her uncle's house with the heartbreaking news for his young wife. After just 3 months in Iraq, he was killed in an intense firefight with insurgents, when he rescued a friend who had been wounded. Her uncle's widow was presented with a Purple Heart and Bronze Star medal along with the flag that draped his coffin.
No matter what is said, even by another veteran, the pain of the loss of someone you love is carried for a long time. Amber was no different as the pain was very evident deep in her eyes, thus deep in her heart. Conversation on the lighthearted side revealed an impishness in her as her eyes sparkled with mischief. Maybe it was fantasy or lust, but I swear I saw her eyes drift down from my face to my crotch as we talked...nah. Just speculation by an LOB (lecherous old bastard) with a young girl close by fantasizing.
Wanting to get an early start the next morning, I said "Gonna turn in early and break camp tomorrow by dawn and head out. You're welcome to share the tent with me, to keep the insects from flying off with you, if you want." I could see the look in her big blue eyes contemplating the idea when I assured her she was safe and that I wouldn't molest her or anything. She nodded her head and we entered the tent.