Dinah, Dead Girls, and Deals at Springfield Motorcyle Show

It's the dead of winter and unless you are a snow bunny, which I am not, there ain't a whole lot going on. Thankfully, there are a few bike shows in the area.

This January, the Outdoor Sports Expo Group hosted its 6th annual 'Springfield Motorcycle Show' at the 'Big E' in Western Springfield, Mass.

 
My experience with this location is at the fair in the fall eating fried oreos (yum) and corndogs; I have never been to an event inside and I certainly was not expecting the lines above. Thankfully the weather cooperated and it wasn't too cold, otherwise I'da turned right around. To be fair, the line moved quickly, probably 20 minutes to get through, but seriously...they need more than two people selling tickets. Not sure who to blame, the venue or the sponsor but kinda ridiculous in the dead of winter to have to wait outside for so long. But anyway, that's my rant for the day...on to the show.

Crowds seemed especially heavy on Saturday, which could have been because of the storm the previous evening kept people away or more likely was because the headliner of the show was 'Mikey Tetul' from 'Orange County Choppers'. He, along with two of his castmates, Vinnie & Cody attended all three days and were there to greet fans and sign autographs. Mikey seemed exactly like his character, a big loveable teddy bear - he was sportin' a new 'do and looking good. If you are a fan of the show, you know that he is now an 'artist'. Several of his paintings were on display...very colorful...and that's all I have to say 'bout that.




After OCC, Cody & Vinnie branched off to form their own shop and brought along several of their custom bikes

Local charitable organizations were in attendance seeking support for their causes.  There were quite a few 'save the boobies' type of charities...I guess because bikers like boobies so they will give in order to save them? I don't know...I would have expected more 'save the peepees' at a bike show, but I don't think there is such a thing...yet.

'Best in Show' goes to the display below - the empty boots and hat were a tribute to our fallen heroes and their loved ones left behind. A somber reminder to us all of the sacrifices made by our military and their families...

Another charitable organization attending the show were the Shriners...did you know that the hat they wear is called a 'Fez'? Named  after the city it was manufactured in - Fez, Morrocco. Bet ya didn't know that...I didn't either. I always thought it was the Grand Poobah Water Buffalo Hat...darn Flinstones.

 

So when I first saw the 'Dead Girls' display from Evil Works Ink, my first thought was 'why'?   An artist known as 'Wolf' transforms beautiful girls in to the walking dead...again, I ask why?

So, I hung around for a bit to watch the transformation from dewy face young woman to bloody, mutilated zombie with her face ripped. The results were so realistic and creepy that I expected they would be making an appearance in an upcoming nightmare.  It's close to midnight, and something evil's lurking in the dark...

Attorney Haymond's ladies, a staple at bike events, appeared in a fashion show hosted by a local radio DJ. Boots, chaps and all kinds of leather were modeled for the eager audience.

How's my butt look? 

On the sidelines was pin-up girl Dinah Deville, who was there with New England Biker to greet her fans...best pic I could get, sorry! Stay tuned for next post, I have a few you're gonna like, guaranteed. 

With all of the entertainment, it's easy to forget about the starts of the show and the reason why we all leave our warm homes on a frigid New England day...the bikes.

Old School

This was the bike I voted for, for fan favorite...bling-bling

So shiny and pretty..ya think that is the reaction builder hoped for?

Vendors for all budgets were on display from clothing and jewelry to parts and accessories sold by local motorcycle stores. Plenty for everyone...

It was a fun afternoon, straight out of Hollywood with pin-up girls, television starts and zombies. I'm looking forward to next January to see what surprises OSEG has up their sleeves. Paul, Sr. perhaps? I hear he needs the money.

Welcome Ole-Man Winter....Snow in 49 States?

Scratch that...Ole-Man Winter? Get Lost!

I'm moving to Florida...the ONLY state in the country without snow!?  What the heck is going on?  Two feet of fresh snow in my backyard...on top of the foot that was already there...wtf.

Just returned from North Georgia, it's colder there than in Massachusetts. Bartender told us yesterday that this recent storm was worst the area has seen since the 70s...and it is only January. Ugh!

Record- breaking cold for this week and another storm on the way..running out of places to put the snow...

Riding season seems so far away...

I am a New Englander...we bitch about the weather...it's what we do..

Northeast Motorcycle Expo - Motorcycles, Midgets and Mayhem Tour

More info - http://www.kevmarv.com/

In New England, the riding season is short. As soon as the salt and sand hit the road, bikers wipe the tears from their eyes and tuck their bikes in to storage.

To fill the void for those not fortunate enough to head to warmer weather, many head to bike shows. In the Northeast, Kev-Marv Productions is in its 15th year hosting shows.

With bikes, wrestlers, local celebrities, models and music, there is certainly something for everyone.

2011 schedule:

Providence, RI Jan 8 -9

Salem, NH  Jan 15 - 16

Boston, MA  Jan 29 - 30

Chantilly, VA  Feb 19 - 20

Hartford, CT  Feb 26 - 27

Wilmington, MA March 12 -13

Phil, PA  March 19 - 20 

Admission is $15 for adults/$7 for kids. $2off coupons can be found on their site:  http://www.kevmarv.com/

This past weekend we made it to the Providence show at the convention center. We went on a Sunday afternoon and things appeared to be winding down and I was a little disappointed. I think it would be really helpful if they posted a schedule of the events online so visitors can plan better. For example, Playboy Model Nicole Cormier was scheduled to be there. I'm sure the old man was a little disheartened to see he missed her....me? Not so much...

Mom's (Motorcycles of Manchester) was the sponsor for this show. They had a large selection of new and used bikes; Harley, Honda and sports bikes, with show sales.

Paint jobs above and below were awesome but I know nothing about them other than I liked 'em enough to take pictures. Should probably pay more attention to the details but I get caught up in the whole people thing...note to self...pay attention.

Of course there were several hot girls to get your picture taken with or who are willing to pose. I think the woman below was with NewEngland Biker, but again...those details...not so good at them.

Rythm Drivers provided the entertainment.  It was nice to sit and enjoy a beer while listening to some oldies and classic rock.  This convention center had food available, not sure if others will. There was a full bar and prices for beers were $5, I think? Probably varies by venue. 

 

K, so who doesn't love a Carnie? I know I do...so was very intrigued about the Finnegan 10-in-One Circus Sideshow act that was performing.

I really was expecting tattooed contortionists and flame throwers but instead...a man hammering and drilling stuff into his nose. Really....

The show is more along the lines of a JackAss-SteveO skit...eating glass, drinking windex and laying on nails. It was entertaining but I am a tad sqeamish and found it a bit disturbing...especially the claw hammer yanking a nail out of the guys nose. Why didn't it hit is brain? I don't know, maybe it has and that is why he drills shit into face. They sell old-school t-shirts for five bucks a piece...

I knew the Half-Pint Brawlers were there, and let's be honest, who isn't a tad curious of 'little people'...to be politically correct. As I said earlier, things seemed slow at the end of the day and I was afraid I missed them. While getting a beer I asked the bartender where the 'little people' were wrestling and he said 'ya mean the midgets?'. So much for political correctness...

Soon enough they came running through the large crowd. They have a show on Spike TV, will soon be appearing on MTV and have quite a following. The two wrestlers that got in the ring were Puppet and Kato.  There was more nose stuff to be seen...as in stapling a dollar bill to it, and to the tongue...my stomach could barely take it. I know a lot of wrestling is exaggerated but I was up front and saw it firsthand, and then it being ripped off...and then the blood. Ick. Gonna have to toughen up if I want to hang with the big boys, I guess. They put on a great show and were available after to meet people and sign autographs.

Plenty of merchants were there selling their wares. Helmets, parts, t-shirts, koozies, leather...I would love to have seen a jewelry vendor..difficult to find biker jewelry that doesn't have a Harley logo on it. Good business opportunity, right there.

Paint jobs on some of the bikes were amazing. I think these below were for sale...maybe not...I don't know...damn details.

Perhaps I will move from the backseat to the side someday...nahh, doubt it...I find these frightening...not sure what difference is, but it looks like a much more vulnerable position to be in.Cool ride, though...

Now, I don't know a lot about Motorcycle Clubs, other than what I have learned on Sons of Anarchy. What I do know is...I find them a bit scary. No reasoning behind this...have seen too many movies probably. Anyway, I don't think the Hells Angels were sponsors but they had several booths and there were many in attendance. I was able to point out a prospect...thanks to SOA...no patch...see, I do pay attention occasionally.

Let's move on before I get myself in to trouble...Dinah Deville was there posing for pics. She is a pin-up model and burlesque queen and is shown below on NewEnglandBiker.com's ride the 'Midnight Crisis'. Reminded me of Betty Page...with lots of tattoos...pretty.

A couple of hours at the show is enough...we walked around several times, listened to the band for a bit and watched two shows.  It was fun.  After, we went to Mohegan Sun to see Josh Thompson...not relevant, I know...but it wrapped up a great day!

Ode to 2010...It Was a Good Year For Riding

I suffer from severe wanderlust...if there was a support group, I would have to join...but, only if it were a traveling support group, held in various locations.

These itchy feet of mine are already plotting and planning my next adventures as soon as the weather warms up, though I'm actually more likely to seek some warmer air before the spring thaw in New England. And today, my softer side has reminded to slow down and look back on the adventures and appreciate all the fun I have had. So let's reminisce, shall we?

Oh, and one of these days, so you will understand where my gypsy blood comes from, I will have to introduce you to my mom who has moved at least ten times in the past fifteen years...bought houses each time, not rented...seriously...Mass to Florida to Maine to Nevada back to Florida to Mississippi to Mass to NC back to Maine back to Nevada and now planning a move back to Florida...pretty sure I have missed a move or two...god love her.

Anyway, 2010 was reported as the second warmest summer on record in Massachusetts.  It is not the heat that stood out for me but the sunny, dry weekends that allowed us to get in a lot of riding.

Okay so scratch that comment about the heat...our first weekend trip was up to Vermont, early summer and GOD LORD it was hot...in the 90s with 100% humidity but thankfully we did not get that weather until the day we were riding home.  We took backroads from Mass up to Vermont and landed in Killington.





Lots of traffic in Vermont...look closely and you can see the tractor coming thru....

And then it was our turn, more traffic...I was afraid he wasn't going to see us and we'd both go crashing thru to the river below...he waited his turn...

Interesting little food shop, don't ya think? Smokin' Bowls? Not sure exactly what it is they are serving up...unfortunately, they were not open...

Made a few trips to Laconia - for bike week, a vacation on the Lake and a few concerts at Meadowbrook (great place to see a show, btw)...Warm weather and sunshine brought pretty large crowds to Laconia Bike Week...

Look...blue skies...at Bike Week...who'da thunk it?

Okay so I lied, we did get some rain...this was at MeadowBrook Pavillion, Zac Brown concert...cleared up just in time for him to come on, thankfully....and, proof below that lawn seats suck..

Another warm, sunny weekend in New England and we found ourselves in Southern Maine.  We have a few new favorite places now. Bentley's was awesome...lots of bikes, a band playing and a pig roasting...

Hope to stay here this year - motel & campground attached to the bar

Went on a road trip south..trailer-ed the bike because, well sometimes you have to...this is not the trailer, this is actually my friends truck with his bike, just giving you a visual. Imagine a blue Dodge RAM with a trailer and a Road King on the back and there ya have it...

How can anyone drive down/up 95 through the Carolinas and NOT stop to see Pedro..seedy, tacky, trashy wonder of the south. Pedro's marketing budget must have been cut because there weren't nearly as many billboards as I remember. Kinda missed them...

I have a previous blog about my trip on the Dragon...it was F-U-N and I can't wait to go back. We spent some time in Blue Ridge, GA riding through the Smokies, in Chattonooga looking for some biker bars and then went further south...

Landed in Daytona and made the usual rounds, Iron Horse, Broken Spoke, Main Street, beach, AIA, and my uncle's house ;-)

Saw some boobs at this place, bartender flashes people as they walk in...kind of awkward for me...not really sure why women/girls do it? And, what is my reaction supposed to be? I understand why the guys like it, but I don't know...maybe if I was 20 and had a rack like she did, I would understand.

WOW, 2010 was great, filled with great riding, good times and goods friends..I am a lucky lady.  Now, where to next??

Bring on 2011!

Wishing you safe travels and good times with good friends in 2011. Where are you hoping to ride to this year?  Sturgis is on my list...fingers crossed!

Park it if your gonna drink it!

Happy New Year!

Excuse me, sir... you came to Canada for lunch??

Guest Blogger TomV

Friends who know me best, know that my love for riding can take me to extremes. For example, this past summer vacation on Lake Winnipesaukee, NH, I decided that my search for a new lunch spot could not be restricted by international boundaries. Canada for lunch, eh? Why the hell not? I took French in high school (thinking France would someday invade the US proving to be better choice than Spanish). I did bring my passport as this was actually something I thought I might do while on my summer holiday, and honestly, you never know when you might need to flee the country in a hurry, so it comes with me. 

Risking delays crossing the border (not to mention a full body cavity search), I ventured out to the “Great White North” for a little lunch and perhaps an international incident.

My ride took me due north into the White Mountains, past North Conway and through Pinkham Notch which is a mountain pass between Mt Washington and Wildcat Mountain. The ride was breathtaking but very cold, even in late July. The early morning air, driving through elevations over 2000 ft above sea level, was so cold, my nipples could've cut a diamond in half.

An hour or so later, I passed through Dixville Notch, NH.  This small village of 75 residents is famous for being the first place in the nation where ballots are counted for Presidential Elections. Since 1960, all eligible voters gather at midnight in the Grand Ballroom of the Balsams Grand Resort Hotel to cast their votes.  It was a spectacular sight riding through the notch and then coming down the hill where you get this view of the Balsams Resort.

Next stop….the border crossing at East Hereford, Quebec and Beecher Falls VT.

I was feeling a little nervous approaching the guard shack but really expected that getting into Canada would be the easy part, and that getting back in to the states would be the more difficult crossing. WRONG! First of all, I was the only vehicle in sight and I think they were a little bored. Then Frenchy starts asking me questions like (insert French accent here) “what is you purpose for veesiting ?“ and “how long will you be staying, eh”? Apparently he found my answer a bit suspicious “just here for lunch and a few brewskys”.  Was this a first for him? I must've really ruffled his Canadians Jersey when I then asked for a recommendation for a good place to grab a bite. Without responding, he grabbed my passport, pointed to a parking area and grunted, “go wait there”. Was it something I said??

After 20 minutes of nothing, I became very nervous and wondered, “What the hell was I thinking?” Eventually, the guard comes out and asks me if I have ever been before a judge and asks for my driver’s license, claiming that “zee computer ees going un leettle slow”. 'Ummmm, hmmmmm...no?', I answer. He indicated he would be just a few more minutes. Pretty sure they were just messing with me...zee Ugly American...and at one point, I swear I heard the unmistakable “SNAP” of a rubber glove. Being well into my forties, I know that sound all too well and my sphincter immediately clinched tighter than a Bull Frog’s ass.

FINALLY, 30 minutes later, he not only let me go but he pointed me towards the town of Coaticook, where, he said, I would be able to obtain what I had gone to such great lengths to find. The Holy Grail (a/k/a a Bud Light) was suddenly within reach.

Freed from the border, the landscape instantly changed...the signs were different, the terrain was new and dairy farms littered the country side. I rode for about an hour and when I got into town, it did not take long to find my lunch spot, Ailluers Resto-Bar. 

The bartender was very friendly and we were somehow able to communicate between her broken English, my high school French and even a little Pantomime. I had Pizza and hot wings since I could not read the menu and as my friends also know, when it comes to food, I don’t experiment. No snails for this cowpoke.  Although the food was pretty good, I really did not have a lot of time to enjoy my lunch as I was suddenly thinking  how hard it could be to get back to my beloved States.

So I started my venture back but took a different route. I used route 147 and crossed the border between Stanhope, Quebec and Norton, VT. Unlike my first crossing, this check point had several cars and trucks ahead of me so I prepared for a long wait. As I was getting closer to first in line, I noticed a Mini Van that was being ransacked by an inspections officer. Now I am really thinking that I have made a mistake as it was apparent that whoever owned that car wasn’t going anywhere soon. Oh boy, I’m next, what in the world should I say to make sure that I don’t have to stand there for hours watching my bike get what appears to be the equivalent of a full blown,  gynecological exam (scooch on down please). “OK act normal, your next” (this is the little voice inside my head speaking).

Well of course he has the typical border questions; “How long have you been in Canada”? “What is the reason for traveling into Canada”? “Are you bringing any fruits or vegetables to Mars?” (ok he did not ask that, it’s from Total Recall). So I told him that I rode my bike from Mirror Lake, NH into Canada for some lunch and a little adventure and I was heading back to the cottage for cocktail hour and to catch the sunset with the Misses. He was silent for a minute and then asked, “Let me get this right, you rode to Canada for lunch?” …. “Well that’s really cool!” He checked my Passport in the computer (which apparently only takes 30 seconds despite what the Canadian guard told me earlier that day) and he took a quick peek  in my Sac (easy perverts) and then did something unexpected, he spent 5 minutes charting the best route for me to take home. “Don’t just jump on route 93, what you want to do is take 114 south down to route 5 and take that all the way until you get to St Johnsbury. It’s a beautiful ride, smooth winding roads and you won’t see any cops or even another vehicle the whole way.”

Well I not only thanked him but I followed his suggested route to a tee and he was right. It was a great ride and I was able to cruise at about 60 mph without fear, it was as though I owned the road. Not only did I have a great ride home, I did make it in time to see the sun drop and keep the old lady happy. 

This trip was all about the ride. It was a total of 310 amazing miles, two border crossings and some of the best scenery that Northern New England has to offer. That said, if you ever decide to ride into Canada for lunch, try Ailluers Resto-Bar in Coaticook. I honestly don’t remember the food but the bartender was cute and the beer was cold so who cares what the frickin food tastes like?

MORAL OF THE STORY? With Canada's thriving economy and free health care, expect a harder time crossing the border. US could learn a thing or two...