I grew up with my dad having a motorcycle at one point or another.  I can't remember what bike he rode, but I do have a fondness for the machines that I think stems back from my childhood when he rode. 

One of my only memories of riding with him, happened to be on my 5th birthday when we went down to the store on his bike to get the needed supplies to make homemade ice cream.  As we were leaving the store, my dad was hit head on by a lady driving a car.  I don't remember getting hurt, but I remember sitting on the curb eating a box of astropop popsicles a fireman had bought for me while they were taking care of my dad.  Dad had to go to the hospital, but lived to tell the story.  And, he is still doing well.

As a teenager, I remember a co-worker having a Sportster and being quietly intrigued by it. Our conversations of how much fun going to prom on a bike would be facinated and excited me.  Alas, that prom night never happened.

The desire to have a motorcycle did not expose itself fully until my daughter was a toddler.  We were at a Fourth of July Parade when the local HOG Chapter rode by.  She was so excited and loved to talk about the motorcycles from that point on.  We even took her into the local Harley shop and she loved it.  However, I loved it more. I ended up slowly starting to collect the Harley paraphernalia, a jacket, shoes, clothes, etc.  I even started shooting with the Jefferson State Regulators (see Harley-the Shooter for more details) and chose the alias Harley Davidson.  But, I still could not afford the bike.

For my 27th birthday, my husband paid for me to attend the Team Oregon motorcycle training course for beginner rides.  It was great!  I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to ride or improve their riding skills.  I even wrote them a letter thanking them for the experience (see letter here: Team Oregon Letter).  But, shortly there after, we learned we were expecting our son. 

Two years and nine months later, after his birth, I could not take it anymore.  My husband emailed me a link to a picture of a Street Glide a fellow cowboy shooter was getting.  I looked at the picture and admired the bike, then I started looking around the Harley site.  I have never been a big Sportster fan, as a matter of fact I always wanted a Softail, but I saw the Nightster.  I fell in love.  I had to have that bike.  My local Harley shop could not get me the one I wanted so I started calling around.  The Salem Harley dealer found me one and I picked it up the day before my 31st birthday.  I have been riding ever since.

6/30/2008
Million Mile Monday/
1st Anniversary

6/7/2008
D & S Spit Shine

5/2-3/2008
Wedding Anniversary
Camping Trip

6/30/2007
Welcome Home

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©The Bell Family, 2007