XL Forum and Speedway Instruments have teamed up to bring you another great contest!

This contest will be a bit different than our previous ones in there will be no questions!

The prizes for this contest will be:

1st Place

1. One microTach+ ($149.99 value) from Speedway Instruments (http://www.speedwayinstrument.com/)
2. One $200 Motorcycle Superstore (http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/) Gift Cards.

2nd Place

One XL Forum T-shirt. (I only have sizes Small though XXL)

3rd Place

One XL Forum Challenge Coin

Contest details

This contest is open to XL Forum Team Members.
Please CLICK HERE (http://xlforum.net/vbportal/modules.php?name=Content&file=viewarticle&id=3) for more information on becoming an XL Forum Team member.

To enter this contest you need to do the following.

1. Post the photo in this thread with a story about your Sportster or Buell. You must provide a story...not just a photo.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

The contest will work like this.

1. All XL Forum Team members have until midnight 16 Oct GMT to submit their photo (one photo) to this thread..

2. All photos and stories will then be assembled by me into a thread were ALL XL Forum members will vote on their favorite bases upon, 1. the bike photo, 2. the background or story submitted.

3. Depending on the number of photos submitted I will break the voting up into 3 or more first round voting threads. The winners of the first round threads will compete in a second or final round voting thread (depending on how many photos are submitted until a final winner is selected.

4. Participants may submit more than one photo and story but only one may be used during the voting. Once a second, third, etc... photo is submitted the submitter must contact me via PM to have the previous post deleted.
__________________________________________________ ____________

Good Luck!!

:bump :bump

Thank you Bert for getting this Contest going!

I for one am really looking forward to seeing some great photo's and reading some great stories. I hoping to read some great adventures. Like maybe a photo taken on your way to sturgis. Or at the highest altitude in the Rockies. Or the maybe getting the world record at the salt flats?

Lets see'em.

Justin

this is taken on top of the flood wall that keeps the Ohio River out of Louisville KY. I had to snap it quick because the cops are always chasing dirtbikes and four wheelers off of it. I dont know what they would do to a fourty year old man trying to take a picture. the bike of course is my "05" 883standard, it may be the lowest bike in the HD line up but it makes me feel like I'm 18 every time i twist the wick
http://xlforum.net/photopost/data/500/contest.jpg
My best story has to be our trip to Deals Gap this past june. What an awsome time not only did we ride a road that has become legendary in the bike community, but meet some great fourm members from all over the east side of the mississippi. If the ride on saturday was cake sitting around the fire that night was the icing.
here is a pic from the trip

Should the card say:

The XL Forum - XLFORUM.NET

or

XLFORUM.NET

?

Either is okay Brad.

I hope I can get out of work long enough to get a pic.

i have a question
can the sign be bigger than a 5" x 7" ?

OH BTW i just signed up for the team membership.

I am removing the requirement of putting a sign in the photo. XL Forum Team members.....Post them photos!!

Alright everyone! Bert an I talked and what we really want to see is GOOD PICTURES and GREAT STORIES! So now even if the photo is from last year, on your trip to top across country it qualifies!

I wanna hear about all the great places your sporty has taken you!

Justin

this is taken on top of the flood wall that keeps the Ohio River out of Louisville KY. I had to snap it quick because the cops are always chasing dirtbikes and four wheelers off of it. I dont know what they would do to a fourty year old man trying to take a picture. the bike of course is my "05" 883standard, it may be the lowest bike in the HD line up but it makes me feel like I'm 18 every time i twist the wick

My best story has to be our trip to Deals Gap this past june. What an awsome time not only did we ride a road that has become legendary in the bike community, but meet some great fourm members from all over the east side of the mississippi. If the ride on saturday was cake sitting around the fire that night was the icing.
here is a pic from the trip


You can only submit one photo for the contest. Please remove the one that you do not want for the contest from your post.

Ah just give the prize to tcspannerwrench... he's the only one to enter so far
and by the time he finally gets the results from his poll and the forum decides
which picture he should use he'll have a great story to boot :D

Gazza

Ah just give the prize to tcspannerwrench... he's the only one to enter so far
and by the time he finally gets the results from his poll and the forum decides
which picture he should use he'll have a great story to boot :D

Gazza


That was good for a laugh this am.................:)

You can only submit one photo for the contest. Please remove the one that you do not want for the contest from your post.

Done Sorry bout that

Well I am In !!!

Do I look Younger in this Picture ??:laugh
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n34/milmat1/Creek014.jpg

:bump :bump :bump



:gun :toungelau :toungelau


Oh Yea: BUMP !!!!

I've discovered just about every experienced motorcyclist has their own "ride". That is, a favorite route, somewhat near their home, that they have created and follow regularly. It takes the rider time to perfect this route. We search out the open roads, the curves and beautiful scenery. We try to avoid traffic and poor roads. Once perfected, this ride can be a source of personal pride. I enjoy taking friends on my ride, and accompanying others on their ride, can be very rewarding.
I love touring, there is nothing like the feeling of discovering the unknown around each corner. But, the "ride" is what I am able to do most often. I always return feeling better than when I left. It is, for me, the best therapy available.
This picture is of me on a recent autumn day. It was a particularly beautiful day for a ride. Cool, dry air, a warm sun and the sound of my Sportster rumbling through the country...I remember thinking, "This feeling is so good, I actually feel sorry for anyone who doesn't ride a motorcycle."

http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w154/motorpsykler/IMG_0444.jpg

Now that is what I am talking about. Thanks Motorpsykler!

Come on, I know you all have some great stories!

I'm gonna take my photo at the Myrtle fall rally and have it posted before the deadline, so PLEASE don't end the contest early or something!!!

Bump!!!!



Come On Folks, lets get some pictures and stories!

.....amen!!!!!

i'll be posting a pic soon, very soon. :)

http://xlforum.net/photopost/data/500/ValleyForge_093007.jpg

I've been riding since I was 14 and I cobbled together a mini-bike from discarded parts. In 1987 I had the means to buy a new 883, but I didn’t have the patience to wait a year when I had cash in hand. Fast-forward to 2005 when I was talking to a co-worker about bikes. I decided to get a Sporty and about 7 days later I took delivery of a 2005 883 Custom. And yea, I named her... Melanie.

Now I'm OK with a wrench, but I've been real reluctant to do much to this bike on my own except for what I can bolt on. So some of what you see is mine, and other was done at the dealer, but the end result is what I call Nuevo bar-hopper and I'm pretty pleased with it. As of this posting, my latest mod is the coil and ignition relocation. I don't think of my bike as anything special, especially considering the other bikes that I see on the forum, but I'm amazed at the comments and complements that I get when I'm on the road.

The funny thing about going with the bar-hopper look is that it is completely contrary to the kind of riding that I do. I love to just get on and go. I've had a few 500+ mile days on my bike and I'm not stopping anytime soon. I don't see any changes in the future, but I will admit to a crisis of conscious where I was contemplating a windshield, saddlebags, and other bagger-esque accessories. I got over it though. Maybe a 2nd bike, but I can't bring myself to change this one.

I've always been a solo rider, but the Sporty has changed that somewhat for me. It's true that you do connect with other Harley riders almost instantly. I never experienced this with any other bike. Started riding with the local HOG group occasionally and then I found the XL Forum. I've done more group rides on my Sporty than on all of my other bikes combined. All have been great. Camping in Central PA. Tearing up the Eastern Shore of MD. Day trips to Centralia, Jersey, and Delaware. I've got a few more planned, like Key West and back in 5 riding days, Laconia (one of these years), and probably Indy for next year's Moto-GP.

My favorite trips are the ones where I (we) just head out with no real route or plan. When we were camping in Central PA, we said that we would go to Route 6 and turn west. After that - no plan. Would never have found PA 144 - a fantastic twisty road thru the PA Grand Canyon area. Or like our ride back from York this weekend. We said that we'd go south towards Maryland and then turn east at the first numbered road. We found a section of PA 372 that I've never been on. The road was great! I'll be back on it soon. But I'll still keep going out with no real plan - in search of other hidden treasures!

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e80/quebeker/contest-1.jpg

I got married in 1999 and we were trying to have a kid since.
I also wanted a motorcycle but we just couldn't afford one.

Fast forward to July 2005. We are still trying for a kid but now, I do have the cash to buy my bike. So I go to Rocky's H-D in London and order an 883L then I go take the Motorcycle safety course and get my license.

We go to Rocky's on Thursday July 28th 2005 to pick up our new bike, I gave them a cheque, they gave me a set of keys.
Everybody was happy.

I rode the bike home and when we got there the phone was ringing.
It was the doctor's office, my wife, Melinda, had not been feeling good for a week or so.
They called to tell her the reason she was feeling ill was probably because she was pregnant.

After all the hugs, laughs, tears, kisses and phone calls, I asked her:"What about the bike?"
"Your first father's day present." was her reply. (She's a keeper.)
And Eva-Mae showed up the next April.

So now, because of my job (long haul truck driver) and a new born baby, I have not been far, but I rode in every month since (some months less than others).
If we go out as a family, they take the car, and I go on the bike.
Twice got caught in a snow storm.
She(the bike) was at 3 Friday the 13th, once in a bike show with the Sportster Club of London.
Has often been washed by riding in the rain.
And she has been proudly displayed in the "pages" of this Forum.

Today, I was working on her when Eva-Mae, now 18 months old, figured out how to open the tool-box's drawers and proceeded to take a wrench out and tried to help me.

Today, all was good in my little world.

Aw sh*t Q, ya got me beat... Can't compete with that story! :clap :clap :clap

Took me 42 years to become a Harley owner, working on it is as much fun as riding it especially when you have these around..............
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y148/viperrt10a/Stage%201/P2230008.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e80/quebeker/contest-1.jpg

I got married in 1999 and we were trying to have a kid since.
I also wanted a motorcycle but we just couldn't afford one.

Fast forward to July 2005. We are still trying for a kid but now, I do have the cash to buy my bike. So I go to Rocky's H-D in London and order an 883L then I go take the Motorcycle safety course and get my license.

We go to Rocky's on Thursday July 28th 2005 to pick up our new bike, I gave them a cheque, they gave me a set of keys.
Everybody was happy.

I rode the bike home and when we got there the phone was ringing.
It was the doctor's office, my wife, Melinda, had not been feeling good for a week or so.
They called to tell her the reason she was feeling ill was probably because she was pregnant.

After all the hugs, laughs, tears, kisses and phone calls, I asked her:"What about the bike?"
"Your first father's day present." was her reply. (She's a keeper.)
And Eva-Mae showed up the next April.

So now, because of my job (long haul truck driver) and a new born baby, I have not been far, but I rode in every month since (some months less than others).
If we go out as a family, they take the car, and I go on the bike.
Twice got caught in a snow storm.
She(the bike) was at 3 Friday the 13th, once in a bike show with the Sportster Club of London.
Has often been washed by riding in the rain.
And she has been proudly displayed in the "pages" of this Forum.

Today, I was working on her when Eva-Mae, now 18 months old, figured out how to open the tool-box's drawers and proceeded to take a wrench out and tried to help me.

Today, all was good in my little world.

Unfair advantage in foreground!
Also stop riding in the rain because I can see the holes already forming in your rear fender.
:clap :clap :clap :clap :clap

ok heres the story: I work for the MOCO which has been in kansas city since 1997 ( this becomes important later).I had never owned a Harley before. but swore that if I got on there I would at least have one to say I had one. in 2003 I was nearly beaten to death by some haywire fella. I spent 7 months off work do to so many complications it isnt even funny, at which time mymarriage also fell apart, (this was a blessing really), a few months later I was forced to file bancruptcy and sell my home and my night train (wasnt impressed with it anyway)due to my ex-wifes debt. through all of this I met a very great person that helped me through it all, kept me smiling, and made me feel like the world was still a great place, and that it had not tumbled down around me.. I met this person at the Kansas city plant.. in 2006 we got married. behind the scenes I had been watching the nightsters go through the developement stages and was impressed that this bike was coming out of our plant with some "out of the box" styling. so I stayed on top of its happenings. after talking to my wife, we decided I would buy one to mark our 1 year wedding anniversary by buying a 2007 model from the plant we met at, and aslo marking 10 years of harley in kansas city. with some help from unnamed sources, I was able to get pictures of this bike being built. and tracked it down to a local dealer, where I made a call to at 9:00 the morning immediately afetr they were announced to the public, and I then owned what we are pretty sure to be the first nightster sold in the united states. with all this a buddy was able to get me copies of all the factory documentation from this bike. so... theres what this bike means to me. and how it came to be,. now heres the picture of it. the day we brought it home.
http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r203/krazykustumz/IMG_2813-1.jpg

"The Ride"

http://www.hog-spot.com/images/img_1030.jpg

It was midnight when I finally went out for a ride on my Sportster. The road was dark and seemed to absorb the light from the full moon that shone brilliantly above. The road was laid out before me like a black ribbon that wound it’s way through the desert canyons.

A single headlight illuminated the small orange reflectors in the middle of the road, they guided me down the asphalt and deeper into the darkness, with each crack of the throttle I continued on into the night.

As I made my way away from the city, the sky cleared and the stars above seemed to come alive. Back on earth, my headlight would illuminate each insect as they passed by either side of my head. It reminded me of simpler times when I would lay down in a field with my family and watch the meteor showers.

This was the ride that I always dreamt of, when everything came together for a few brief moments. As each mile ticked away on the odometer, the reality and obligations of life passed away. There was no destination, no friends to meet up and no time table that had to be kept. It was simply…

The ride.

Just a little bump! Remember you MUST be an XL Forum Team Member in order to be eligible to win the prizes.

http://xlforum.net/photopost/data/500/1007skyline98.jpg

I sold my bike when I moved to Virginia. I was getting kinda bored with riding. When I got my Sportster little did I know what it would lead to. My sportster and the XLF has made riding fun again. I have owned several different makes and styles but the Sportster is more like a state of mind not just a motorcycle. Many riders buy a sporty for a starter bike but riders that understand what a sporty has than "bigger bikes" won't trade them in. Speed, power and agility the triumverant of a great bike, with a little bit of classic style.

I joined the XLF in May 0f '05 and posted a thread looking for other local sporty riders for some local riding. Now there are about 15 Sportster owners from all over the area I get to ride with. This will be the 3rd year I'll be riding with my XLF buddies.

Last June I participated in a great ride with XLF members from as far away as New York, Kentucky and Indiana in Robbinsville, NC to ride the Dragon. Organized and planned on the forum, it couldn't have turned out better.

The technical and mechanical experience forum members have is amazing. Any problem or question I might have someone here knows the answer.

Which brings me to my pic.

I took this on my favorite day ride. Virginia's Skyline Drive. When the weather is nice it doesn't get much better. I hope all the forum members have a road as nice that's close by that they can enjoy. There are fun roads all across the world but this one is like being in my backyard.

It has everything you look for in a great road. Easy pace and nice twisties.

http://www.hog-spot.com/images/img_1030.jpg



Cool pic!

There was no destination, no friends to meet up and no time table that had to be kept.

The kind of ride I like.

I've seen and read some great stories. Only 6 more days! Get your pictures and stories in!

Justin

In general, I'm kind of a loner. I'm not into sports, I don't golf, and I don't go to poker night. I'm a home owner, but I couldn't care less whether you use Scotts or Chemlawn, or what kind of sealant you used on your deck, or what brand of grill you purchased. You cannot engage me in conversation about TV shows, music, or work. I'm into bikes, and little else.

So just before a bike rally, I get that fuzzy, warm, excited feeling in my gut. I start thinking about the long ride there, just me and my noisy little bike, lots of half-naked girls, the chaos, the sights & smells, and of course the chance to see many awesome bikes and builders. At the start of every rally I attend, I really feel like I'm in my element, and at last surrounded by people who think like I do! Or, maybe it's just gas.

Being a cheapskate and having friends who live in Myrtle Beach pretty much means that the Myrtle Beach spring & fall bike rallies are how I'll be spending at least 10 of my vacation days every year. Once there, I can get by with crashing on a couch for the week and sharing a bathroom with 15 other assorted house guests. Most of my days are spent at Suck Bang Blow, for whom I video tape the insanity in and around the bar. In return for this service, my beers and food are on the house! It's a pretty good deal for me that requires no set schedule... which is good since the schedule of events at Suck Bang Blow is always more of a "suggestion" of events.

On the surface, it's great fun. It's a big, fun carnival show! But finding a kindred spirit in the middle of it all really takes some hard core mingling, and by the end of the week, as I'm packing my dirty clothes and gearing up for the grueling (and time-sensitive) ride home, I'm swearing this will be my last rally, ever. I miss my daughter and I miss my bed, and I'm realizing that, despite the fact that this is a motorcycle-oriented event, I still didn't fit in very well at all. Maybe I should take up golf.

This photo was taken at the Myrtle Beach fall rally, first week of this month. It was raining off and on, enough to keep most people in their hotel rooms, so things were fairly quiet early on. Most people I met simply could not believe I rode a Sportster all the way from Ohio.

http://www.netwalk.com/~gojira/fbw.jpg

Is it just me or what...
I know hes not a team member but...
Cavebiker, the dude who went to Mexico with his wife.
Hes got more pics then anyone else that I've seen here, well maybe not flskevin.
But he has ONE HELL OF A STORY... AND A HELL OF A SET OF PICS.
Just an idea.

Cavebiker Rocks i am with you CT

12876
My story starts in 1999 when I met my future wife. I was going nowhere, nothing to gain and nothing to lose. She changed all that and got me A J Squared away. For that I am gratefull. The state took my license for 16 years. (not for drugs or alcohol reasons) Me being stupid and not caring I drove anyway. Fast forward to 2004 she helped me get straight with fines and lawyers and suspensions. I got my permit again (feb05) at the age of 38. Got my privligaes restored again in march of 2005. Called home (from work) in April of 05 and said I wanted a bike , she said "OK". I searched the papers the local ads and the internet. Then I saw what I wanted. The exact bike I'd wanted for YEARS. A white SPORTSTER. It was on E-bay. I couldnt get in a bidding war cause I had dialup and 3 hours were left. My wife and daughter hit the "buy it now" button for me cause I couldn't justify it for my past actions , didnt think I deserved it. Never had the cash or opportunity. 2 1/2 years later I still go down the road thinking Im on the bike I've always wanted. And I have my wife Sonya and daughter Ali to thank. The help and the chance my wife gave to me, and the feeling when I take off on that bike is truly like being,
Shot out of a cannon.


Thank You , Sonya I Love You.







Will someone please tell me how to enlarge that photo.

not really good with typing stories but here is mine and the main reason i love my bike and riding in general

My brother died last year, a man i had respected more than anyone. All my life growing up i was always thinking i wish i could be more like my "bubba". My brother was who made me want to play guitar. And so i did. My brother is who made me like old muscle cars most of which who's legacy came and went before i was even born but which my brother saw as a child growing up himself. I have many memories of being in my brother's garage watching him wrench on cars most of them those muscle cars he grew up with, starting my wrenching enthusiasm as well. I remember growing up watching my brother ride motorcycles and raving about evel knievel, but i remember mostly how careful he was on a motorcycle. Tho he did like to go fast he always maintained that cautious reserve. Weird thing to remember but I still do. I remember he never wrecked a motorcycle and yet he had been in car wrecks, one time even a bad one. For a long time in his adult life he didn't own a bike. Various things, marriage, divorce and a kid got in the way of him having a motorcycle. It took a while but i remember he finally got a new motorcycle. A 1500 honda cruiser i think, this bike was supposed to be huge for the times, and i remember the ride to the dealership to take him to pick it up. The whole way there he was just exploding about how he loved riding and couldn't wait to do it again, even tho he thought he was paying a little more than he should for the bike. I remember the ride home with him behind my car on the freeway and that one time when he burst in front of me on the interstate from the fast lane then backed off and tucked in behind me thumbs in the air, just enough to show me what it could do, that cautious reserve. Finally that bike went and years later I started getting into motorcycles. At first just to look at then to the point that i wanted one and actively made plans to get one. Took some time but i finally got a ninja 250, yes .... small, but i was starting late and i remember that cautious reserve. I remember telling my brother how fun it was to ride and that i wished i had started sooner so we could have rode together and that i felt like i need a bigger bike. And i remember him telling me as long as you have something to ride, then just enjoy the ride. Of course after that i began pushing my brother to get a bike, more like dropping little seeds to plant the idea. I knew he wanted one anyways. Finally he started talking about getting one years later, a cruiser he wanted, something classic in his eyes but something that could make him remember the thrill. After some time he finally acquired a 883 sportster hugger and was wanting to hop it up a little and do it more "drag-style" but it was so close to winter he only rode it maybe 3 times before having to put it up. During this time i was so busy that i didn't get a chance to ride with him. So we waited all winter then starting in spring we started talking about riding. All of us, my brother and me and my sister now that she had a bike. The weekend of easter sunday in 2006 i talked to him about riding together for the first time the next weekend. so we made our plans for that next weekend, to finally ride together and enjoy something that we both enjoyed thoroughly, tho my addiction started later than his. monday night after easter sunday i learned at the tech school that i was going to that i would never have the chance to ride with my brother. i rode my brothers bike to his funeral that thursday, i felt like i needed to tho i didn't think i could do it. I remember that cautious reserve. We learned later that since my brother didn't have a will most of his belongings would have to be sold to pay off some debts and convert to a fund for his little girl for her to have later in life. my brothers bike was one of the things that would have to be sold. my dad bought the bike and my sister his truck with money from my brothers life insurance policy. my dad wanted my brothers passions to remain with the family. i remember my brother telling me to always have a plan ..... that cautious reserve. So now i have the bike with alot of help i think from my brother and every time i ride his bike i feel as if my brother is riding with me, particularly when i start having a little too much fun on the throttle ..... i remember .... that cautious reserve.

http://xlforum.net/photopost/data/500/headstone2.JPG

http://www.robinhome.net/xlforum/xlforumyellowstone.JPG

Sorry, the bike is kinda hard to see, but I thought this was a beautiful picture taken from the opposite side of Great Fountain Geyser in Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming during the nice long 4th of July weekend.

I had just gotten my bike the February before and I was excited to make a nice long run with the old lady, even though she was nervous, she had not been on a bike that much in her life. I had put the saddle bags on, but it didn't seem like enough room for 4 days of relaxation in fabulous Yellowstone National Park, which is about a 5 hour drive, non-stop from where we live in Utah

My girlfriend had packed light (good thing she ain't high maintenance), and managed to get 4 days worth of clothes, the camera, a couple drinks, jackets, and sunscreen into the saddlebags. But we thought it was just not enough, what happens when we get up there and we get some souvenirs to give to the kids, no where to put them :(

She had recently got a rolling bag from her work, and we figured we could somehow put that on the sissy bar, but how?

Well with a few straps, some bungee cords and a little luck, we managed to secure the bag onto the back of the bike, and what do you know, we now have room for a sleeping bag!!

We headed out, leaving about noon, with nothing but wind in our hair, slowly watching the city change to wilderness, stopping about every 150 miles for gas, to stretch (did I mention she had not been on a bike very much before?) and to get something to eat. We are taking our sweet little time, enjoying the scenery.

We finally made it to Island Park at about 9:30, which is about 15 minutes outside of West Yellowstone, it was dark, we were cold, and my whole body was shaking, didn't know how much farther we could go. We stopped at the one hotel that we could find (no rooms). Called a few hotels in West Yellowstone (no rooms), called a few towns just south of Island Park, guess what, no rooms. The clerk lady said we could crash in the campground behind the hotel. We didn't have a tent, but we can rough it. The clerk had called her husband to see if they still had their old tent that we could use (I need to take that lady some flowers) but they didn't have it anymore. The hotel had a room opening up the next morning and would be available until the day we left, so we hurried and snagged that one up, but we would have to deal with the ground for tonight.

We started heading back into the campground, and what do you know, it starts raining. Oh lucky day. We warmed ourselves by a campfire, rolled out our sleeping bag (good thing she's little, we can fit in one) and slept under the wonderful view of the picnic table.

The next morning we woke up stiff, but raring to go. We loaded our bike, and headed out to find breakfast. We headed up towards West Yellowstone, and once inside we found this nice quaint little place to eat. We walked inside, sat down at this little table, and had our waitress come and take our order. Nice little place. Walking towards the restroom, I wondered if I was going to fall through the floor, it was so uneven, and I am sure there was some water damage under that carpet, but I didn’t care, the food was excellent.

We enjoyed the day riding through the park, looking at the elk in the river, the ducks floating by, and the geysers exploding. We stopped and looked at most geysers including Old Faithful. But I would have to say this one was my favorite, and I could get a picture of my bike with it.

Went back to the hotel, and slept in a nice comfortable bed, and went back into the park the next day, and enjoyed the sights.

The next morning, to our dismay, we had to head home. The weather was gorgeous all the way until we hit Utah. We stopped to get gas and Willard Bay, and when we pulled back onto the freeway I suddenly couldn’t see. I had been hit by the enormous bug that thought it needed to wear my sunglasses more than I did. Washed them off and headed back onto the open road. Looking behind me, I see nice dark clouds chasing us. Figured we could stay ahead of them, boy was I mistaken. First the wind kicked in, not too bad, and then the rain. We can still make it, no big deal. Then the wind howled even harder, until I couldn’t hold the bike up straight anymore. Found a nice dry overpass to sit under until the wind died down. We were joined by a few fellow bikers, in need of some shelter. The wind finally died down, we are only a few more miles from the house.

When we get there, we are both relieved to be home, but wishing we were still on vacation.

http://xlforum.net/photopost/watermark.php?file=15157

It was the spring of /93. Two years earlier I had made a decision to stop drinking. Alcohol had already ruined my life but now I was trying to pick up the pieces and was beginning to treat myself to some of the things that for too many years, had taken a back seat to booze and drugs. As it turns out, I was about to launch myself, head first, into another habit which can be as expensive, if not more, than the one I had just put behind me. Motorcycling.

Sportsters had always intrigued me. Some friends had owned them and the style of the V twin with staggered dual exhaust was what I wanted. The big twins seemed more than my 5'9" frame would be comfortable on and the Japanese look alikes, although cheaper, were not what I wanted. (remember Pearl Harbour?)

Saturday mornings I would sit with the Free Press classifieds, the Bike Trader, a pot of coffee (my new favourite drink) a highlighter pen and scissors. I was seriously shopping for a Sportster. After weeks of this little ritual, an ad really caught my attention. "1976 Sportster $3995." The same ad appeared in both papers. The price was right and the fact that it was 17 years old didn't concern me at all. An old friend had bought a /76 new and gone chrome crazy on it. His was the sharpest looking bike I had ever seen.

So I dialled the number (remember dial phones?) It was a used car lot specialising in executive cars, BMWs, Saabs etc. They had taken it as a trade in. The place wasn't far from my house so I got in my truck and 20 minutes later, found myself ogling my dream bike. It wasn't very clean or shiny but had a tail light moulded in the shape of a number 1 and an eagle with upswept wings air brushed on the double capped gas tank. The bike was red and had a very slim but sleek looking seat.

The owner approached me, "You the guy who called?"
"Yep."
"What do you think?"
"I Kind of like it." (not wanting to appear as excited as I felt.) "But I want a friend to look at it and give me his opinion." My friend Jim had owned a /69 Sportster and knew bikes. My mind was made up but I wanted someone to assure me that it was a good decision.

A couple of days later a dump truck pulls up in front of this high price import car lot. Leaving the big diesel idling, the driver jumps down and walks over to the only bike on the lot. The dealer, Hans, goes over and asks "Do you want to hear it run?"
"Nope."
"Oh, you a friend of Steve's?"
"Yep."
"What do you think?"
"Doesn't look that great to me." at which point Jim gets back in his truck, releases the air brake, and drives away.

Asking advice is not a problem for me. Taking it can be another story. Jim, and he was absolutely right, figured for a few extra bucks I could buy a newer Sportster in better shape, but I really wanted this one. Reluctantly, I went back to the paper, scissors and coffee to continue cutting out Sportster ads. Then my phone rang. It was Hans. "Do you want to buy the bike?"
"Naw, it needs to much work and I'm not a mechanic."
"Make me an offer," he says "and come and get this bike off my lot." Apparently, it was drawing the wrong type of clientele to his business. Perhaps Jim & I fit into his idea of wrong but everyone else who had answered his ad either needed their wife's permission or their father to co-sign for a loan. I offered him $3000 if he'd give me a break on the taxes and he responded with "Come and get this bike off my lot!" Less than an hour later, "my sporty" was in the back of my truck.

Fourteen years have passed but my dream bike then is my dream bike today. It's still red and still has the number 1 tail light, but is in much better shape. Not only is it one of the nicest ironheads on the road today (in my humble opinion) but with a twist of the throttle it'll go like a cat on turpentine.
http://xlforum.net/photopost/watermark.php?file=15157
Steve Force.

Can't seem to get the pic to show up in the thread. Just the link.

Steve.

http://xlforum.net/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/15157/size/big/ppuser/2098

PS Mine is the first one, the second one's Joan's.

The entry part of the contest is closed. I will now post all photos and stories on a new thread (or webpage) and then everyone will be able to vote for the winners.