17th Annual Iron Horse Run Review
Took off early on Friday to the Iron Horse Rally and this time took the car as I wanted some comforts on this Rally as I would be there a couple of nights. My other support staff would show up later and I selected this time to haul the gear. Let them have the ride, hey got to keep your people happy in this biz as we do it for fun. When it begins to become a job and no fun hard to keep people happy. Have packed in the past just the basics, but a 300 plus mile ride/drive, just wanted a bit more
Rolled in about noon or so and was met by the nicest people at the checkin. WOW, if I had know that it was at Selmac Lake but did not know the lake was in the park.
The park on this side of the lake was exclusive for the event, which was great. You have to see the pics, as no discription would come close as it is a fantastic area.
Note to self-next year bring some swim gear and thanks guys for the knife to cut my jeans but only had the one pair. Love that they did not allow cars in the camp areas, just bikes only but allowed me to drop the gear off from my car and put it in the parking lot after unloading. They did have quads with trailers to take your gear to your campsite, but seeing they were busy I did not want to bother them.
Setup camp, met my neighbors, which said they have done this rally often and found a site with some shade during the day. Ventured out to snaps some pics of the day and meet new friends.
Had not gotten far and hear “Hey did I not see you at the Union for Kids Run” which happened in Portland Oregon the weekend before which I replied, yep that was me. I rembered the conversation we had, so asked, “Where is your son?” They were meeting half way to this event as he lived in California and was a reunion meeting as they both ride.
So met Fred again, and he introduced his son Joe and Uncle Joe who rode up with him from California and found my new Rally buddies. My crew was due any time now, but got started meeting new people, as this was the first Iron Horse Rodeo Rally run that our site has covered.
I must say, the setup was awesome, ran into vendors from events done previous years and some new ones. This was a family event and is nice to see kids enjoying the love of biking, family environment alone with the love of what we are.
The day was warm, but the cool breeze off the lake made life bearable and did not mind the heat. Our location had plenty of shade from the trees to escape the heat and if you forgot something, just a short hop down the road was a store to get what your needed. Also, if you needed to make a call, you had to venture to the store to make a call. I really like that my phone does not work and may times just toss it into the tent for the weekend as I am here to have fun, not talk on the phone.
Wandered around a bit, chatted with new people I had yet to meet, check out rides that were unique and realized damn I am starved. My crew got delayed leaving town and combined dinner with my new found friends. Hey, part of what I am and what we are is sharing what we have with others. As I have lived this life in years past, it’s a big family helping each other.
Ok, since I was a good girl for most of the winter and had yet to cut loose, sorry to all but Friday night chucked the camera and lived it up. The band played some groovy tunes and danced my butt off. There was a time these guys were wearing me out, and saw a couple of ladies dancing together and asked them for some help. Love to dance, but keeping up with three guys, LADIES need some help.
The evening weather was fantastic, (except the mosquitoes which linger in the shaded tree area) wow and a look up into the clear sky at the stars, man I miss that living in the city. Perfect temperature, no need for a jacket till later as it drops fast after midnight. The music ended and we retired to my campsite, sippin on some adult beverages till it got a bit cool and we all headed for our tents.
OH MY, forgot what it was like to be in the high desert, damn it got cold that night. Note to self, need a warm body to keep me next time or an extra blanket.
Saturday Morning.
The sun is up, I’m a wake but it’s too cold, sleepin in till it warms up a bit to get up. Slept like a log be it camping or the consumption the night before. Nah, it was both and had not had a good night sleep like that in a long time. Seems like fresh air, nature, good company and being around this atmosphere I seem to relax and the stressors of life just disappear.
K, warm enough to roll out and my new found friends promised breakfast the next morning which is cool as I really hate cooking morning food. Most times good to go with coffee, cigs, and a couple aspirin and I am good to go for a bit. Figured, make coffee, as I cannot get going without it and share with the guys. Man, they were already up and ready to go. Shower were not working, technical error, but been to sites with no amenities and made the best of it. Hats are great and why pack one wherever I go to hide the mop.
There was a poker run, but since I did not ride was offer to pack on the back and passed. Did my normal camp hopping to meet new found friends and snaps some pics. The bike games were great, some new ones that I had not seen before and took some skill of the riders involved.
The poker run riders started returning and new people were showing up all day to fill the campground up. Made a couple more rounds the campsite and headed back to camp to cook up dinner and ready for the nights festivities.
The evening started with the raffle prizes, no luck for me this time and proceeded to the Awards for games and bike show. Check out in the picture section as they were awesome and one couple sweeped up. The band was great, started a bit slow but picked up where everyone was dancing even if just toe tapping.
Music ended, and we retired to a nice campfire near our tents till our steam ran out and off to bed. I must say did not get as cold as the night before, but if you go to this event take plenty of bug spray to not get eaten alive.
Sunday morning warmed up quick, time to fix some breakfast and so nice to have coffee delivered to me as I needed a kick start. Many people started breaking down their camps by this time, but i was in no hurry and just kicked back and chatted with old and new friends.
I had a blast at this event and will be back next year. The event schedule allowed time to enjoy some chill back time and keep your entertained. Most times I am running my butt off to cover an event, but this one let me have some time to visit with people. I wish to thank D & S Harley Davidson for their support of the event visit them here .
Catch me if you can.
Joan
