Merry Chrome Christmas!

My husband tells an amusing story about how, one year with a previous wife, he was building a custom car. He decided, since he viewed it as “their” car, that it would be a wonderful idea to give her car parts for Christmas.

Now I am not here to debate the wisdom of that idea. I am only here to point out that she is, in fact, a previous wife. And that perhaps if he wonders why, he should think back to the festively wrapped box he gave her that ended up containing a chrome tunnel ram.

Now since he freely admits that 25 years later the incident is still painful, I imagine there was perhaps the teensiest bit of trepidation about giving me motorcycle parts for Christmas.

But he needn’t have worried – the lower master cylinder cover, the front axle nut covers, and the upper belt guard are welcome additions for The Picky Bitch. I love you, honey, you are welcome to give me chrome for Christmas any time!

(Googled photo courtesy of Walker Performance.com.)

Tragedy in Balltown – Breitbachs destroyed by fire

I’m really saddened to report that Breitbach’s, the legendary family-owned restaurant in Balltown, Iowa, was destroyed by fire on Christmas Eve. During the 2007 Estrogen Ride, we rode from Galena, IL over to Balltown to have dinner at Breitbach’s, then back to Galena.

Locals in Balltown have started an assistance fund for the Breitbach family. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

What’s really painful about this is that the history of the town is so wrapped up in the history of the restaurant – it has been in operation since 1852 and was Iowa’s oldest restaurant and tavern. Numerous irreplaceable antiques were destroyed also, which had decorated the restaurant.

I hate to see any community lose a historic landmark. My heart goes out to the Breitbach family and to all of Balltown. Here’s wishing you a speedy rebuild!

(Googled photo courtesy of www.tristatetourism.com.)

That’s OFFICER BIKER CHICK to you!

Hey cool development in the Des Moines HOG Chapter, I’m now the official New Member Ambassador! Yep, I’ve joined the officer’s ranks of our chapter, which is based at Big Barn HD. My job for 2008 will be to sign in new members at each meeting, then introduce them to the rest of the group. I think it sounds like fun, and I’m thrilled to be on board!