Wednesday, May 23, 2012

You Just Never Know......


Out front of the arena
  Have you ever had one of those days when it ended quite different than you planned, this last weekend I had one of those days.
On the field during practice
The day started out busy, lots of family stuff going on but early afternoon I decided to attend a meeting of  CVMA (Combat Vets Assn.) At the meeting they discussed that the local arena  AFL football team had a game and it was military appreciation night and they had been asked to ride their bikes in the opening festivities .
I decided I would tag along, unsure they could even use me or my bike but nevertheless I went to check it out.
   I had ridden my newest project bike which I had written about  a few days ago, turned out they were looking for 20 motorcycles to transport cheerleaders on to the field and 5 extra to carry the US flag and flags from the different armed force branches. I told them I did not have a passenger seat but I would be happy to carry a flag if needed so my old retro/military style Harley was chosen to carry the US flag.
Staged under stadium before opening event





We arrived a few hours before the game in order to practice the parade and riding on to the field.

 The opening ceremony went down fine. The first 20 motorcycles carried the cheerleaders and the flag bikes followed up behind. We rode on to the field and paraded around in formation before letting the dancers off so they could do their opening routine.




 After we exited the field and were staged under the stadium seating 3 ladies with clipboards (they were in charge of entertainment) approached me and said they really liked the look of my motorcycle and would I please ride it for them in the half time show, it would entail following 2 Army Hummers with cheerleaders aboard, I would be carrying the lead dancer. I reiterated the lack of passenger seat but after practice I found if I sat up on the tank some she would be able to ride on the back part of the seat, we were however unable to practice on the field because the game had already started but after much 'talking it through' I had it sorted out. The other bikes were taken outside and I remained under the stadium awaiting half time 






 I staged behind the Hummers while the cheerleaders practiced their routine one last time.
As half time approached we all loaded up and waited.











  The music started playing and the the crowd was excited, I could hear them and the music despite the lack of mufflers on my old Shovelhead Harley, they had specifically asked I rev the engine as I entered, It was a loud place I can assure you. The two Hummers followed by myself  pulled on to the field and stopped  near the right sideline allowing all dancers to jump off and do their dance routine.
After the cheerleaders did their routine, (a tribute to the armed forces) they remounted the vehicles and we carried them around the field one last time to wave to the crowd. (shown in last photo)



All told  not too bad a day I guess, beats getting shot at.  Maybe I will do something more interesting next week.


28 comments:

  1. Very cool. I guess that riding a motorcycle with a cheerleader does beat getting shot at:)

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  2. very very cool....and the Bike is stunning.

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    1. Thanks, It's not totally done but I like the way it is turning out.

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  3. You're a true giver sir . . . a true giver! :) Not a bad way to break in your bike either - congrats on the beautiful job you've done!

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    1. I learned you need to sacrifice or the cause at times.

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  4. Dear Duke...it must suck to be "the Duke". that's why i always feel so bad for you. you poor guy.

    your friend,
    kymber

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    Replies
    1. Kymber, thanks sister, your kind words help the suffering.

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    2. Dear buddy...i can only hope that my words help with the suffering - bahahahahahaha! you Rock, buddy!

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  5. The bike is cool. Nice things happen when you "just tag along".

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    1. Yes they do, I really thought I would only get some grub and a ticket to the game.

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  6. Oh yea there is a bike and an old dude. I just saw the women..;)

    You are lucky, bikes great too.

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  7. I surprised you didn't have her ride on the tank. Good for you, Bubba.

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    1. Hey you have to look out for everyone my friend.

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  8. Not exactly a ghillie suit, but with the young ladies being so expertly camoflaged, its amazing you can see them at all. Did you help them with their atire?

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    Replies
    1. No they worked on the outfits all by themselves.

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  9. Replies
    1. Yea, you do what you can at times. Thanks.

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  10. Good for you! And thanks for being willing to participate! Not that you had any fun or anything... :-)

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    1. Sometimes you lay aside your personal comfort to help when needed.

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  11. that is, uh, a great lookin`bike you got ..

    no, seriously that is a nice bike you have there, duke ;-))

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    1. Jambaloney, thanks, I really like the bike. I like the old retro style and actually it sports an antique tag being over 30 years old. I just made it look older and did not want to go the 'chrome' route.

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  12. Nice ride, glad you got to not only go to the game, but be in the parade.

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    1. Thanks Annie, and thanks chiming in.
      Duke.

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  13. Very sharp, very hot...and the bike's nifty, too.

    I will trade you a German Shepherd dog for one of those cheerleaders (but she has to like to cook and clean).

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    1. Murphy, I will pass along the offer. Thanks.

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