ROAD TO STURGIS 2024: CELEBRATING 52 YEARS OF LIFE WHILE CROSSING THIS EPIC ADVENTURE OFF MY BUCKET LIST (PART 2)

Hello OWN IT magazine readers,

Welcome to the latest edition of own it magazine, where we empower you to take charge of your life, pursue your passions, and embrace your true potential. As I celebrate another year in my life, I am grateful for the opportunities that have come into my life. As well as the ability to share those experiences with you.

So, last week I began sharing my thrilling experience from one of the Nation’s largest Motorcycle Rallies in South Dakota. If you missed it, you can catch up here. Today, let’s continue that ride together as I fulfill a lifelong dream. Join me on this epic journey!

Trip journal: Day 6

Welcome to Deadwood

On day 6 of our adventure, we revved up our engines and rode out to the historic town of Deadwood to kick off our first official day at Sturgis 2024. Deadwood, known for its rich history dating back to the Gold Rush era, is steeped in tales of outlaws, gunfights, and gambling.

As we explored the charming streets lined with historic buildings, we couldn’t help but feel transported back in time to the days of Wild West legends like Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane. The town’s unique blend of old-world charm and modern-day attractions made it the perfect starting point for our Sturgis experience.

After immersing ourselves in the history and culture of Deadwood, we took some time to browse the souvenir shops, picking up mementos to commemorate our journey. With our hearts full of excitement and our saddlebags filled with treasures, we mounted our bikes once again and rode towards the town of Sturgis for dinner and a night of unforgettable shenanigans.

Riding into Sturgis

We concluded our day in the bustling town of Sturgis, where we enjoyed a hearty evening meal at the iconic Iron Horse Saloon. The atmosphere was electric as bikers from far and wide gathered to share stories, laughter, and camaraderie. After dinner, we hit the streets, joining the sea of motorcycles cruising along the main strip. The rumble of engines, the smell of leather, and the sight of gleaming bikes under the neon lights filled us with a sense of exhilaration and belonging. As we navigated the crowded streets, soaking in the vibrant energy of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, our hearts swelled with excitement at the sight of countless bikes of every make and model. The camaraderie among fellow riders, the shared passion for the open road, and the sense of community made this night an unforgettable celebration of the spirit of freedom and adventure that unites us all.

To top off an already incredible day, I had the joy of meeting a fellow TikTok content creator and follower, the BikerGuru, and his wife Wendy. It was a serendipitous encounter that filled me with excitement and gratitude. BikerGuru’s offer to collaborate on a video for his TikTok feed was an unexpected and awesome birthday present that made my day even more special. The opportunity to share our love for motorcycles and the Sturgis experience with his followers was a truly memorable and heartwarming experience.

Trip journal: Day 7

Full Throttle Saloon / Gas Monkey Garage

On day 7, officially our second day at Sturgis, we set off on an exhilarating ride to the famed Full Throttle Saloon. Known as one of the largest biker bars in the world, the Full Throttle has a rich history tied to the motorcycle culture, serving as a gathering place for bikers since its establishment in 1999. It is famous for its lively atmosphere, incredible events, and iconic “biker bar” vibe.

As we arrived, the air was filled with music and laughter. Two bands were playing, each adding to the electric atmosphere that every biker dreams of. The familiar sounds of rock and roll reverberated through the venue, igniting our spirits and fueling our excitement for the day ahead. The combination of live music, the smell of delicious food, and the camaraderie among fellow motorcycle enthusiasts created an experience that was everything we had anticipated and more.

After soaking in the lively atmosphere at the Full Throttle Saloon, we hopped back on our bikes and rode towards the town of Sturgis, eagerly heading to the Gas Monkey Bar, owned by the charismatic Richard Rawlings. Known for his role in the hit TV show “Fast N’ Loud,” Rawlings gained fame for his passion for restoring classic cars and motorcycles, transforming the Gas Monkey Garage into a household name among car enthusiasts.

As we entered the vibrant bar, the energy was infectious, with memorabilia from the show adorning the walls and fellow fans enjoying the experience. To our sheer delight, my nephew Ethan and I had the incredible opportunity to take a photo with Richard Rawlings himself. It was a fantastic moment that added to the awesomeness of our Sturgis adventure, especially after meeting the BikerGuru just the day before. The

combination of these unforgettable encounters made this trip all the more special, as we created lasting memories in the heart of biker culture.

Trip journal: Day 8

Blackhills- Iron Mountain / Mt. Rushmore / Sylvan Lake Run

On day 8, we geared up for an exhilarating ride up Iron Mountain, taking us toward the iconic Mount Rushmore. The twisting roads and stunning views were a thrill, and the fresh mountain air filled us with anticipation.

Iron Mountain, part of the Black Hills of South Dakota, is renowned for its scenic beauty and unique rock formations. The road itself is a marvel, with its narrow tunnels providing enchanting glimpses of the surrounding landscape. As we navigated the winding paths, we couldn’t help but relish the adventure of each turn. As we cruised along the Iron Mountain route, we made a picturesque stop at Sylvan Lake, a gem nestled in the Black Hills of South Dakota. This stunning alpine lake has a rich history and is known for its breathtaking beauty, surrounded by towering granite cliffs and lush forests.

Sylvan Lake was created in 1881 through the construction of a dam, making it one of the earliest man-made lakes in the region. It quickly became a popular recreation spot, attracting visitors for boating, swimming, and hiking. The lake is also renowned for its role in the film industry; it served as a backdrop for the enchanting scenery at Sylvan Lake provided the perfect setting for adventurous scenes, capturing the hearts of moviegoers.

Moreover, the lake is significant in the context of the broader Black Hills region, which holds deep cultural importance for the Lakota Sioux tribe. The natural beauty of Sylvan

Lake and its surroundings offers visitors a serene retreat, making it an ideal stop for reflection and relaxation along our ride to Mount Rushmore. The combination of history, natural beauty, and cinematic significance made our visit to Sylvan Lake a memorable highlight of the day.

As we took in the stunning views at Sylvan Lake, we couldn’t help but reminisce about the lake’s role in the film industry, especially its appearance in the 2007 movie “National Treasure Book of Secrets.” The film, starring Nicolas Cage as treasure hunter Benjamin Gates, took audiences on an exhilarating journey filled with clues and historical puzzles, with Sylvan Lake serving as a picturesque backdrop for some of its thrilling scenes.

Our visit to Sylvan Lake felt particularly special, knowing it has been a part of Hollywood history and contemplating the adventures that lie ahead in the. The blend of natural beauty, rich history, and cinematic ties made our stop an unforgettable experience on our Iron Mountain ride.

Approaching Mount Rushmore, the sight of the colossal granite sculpture of four U.S. presidents—George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln—took our breaths away. Completed in 1941, this monumental artwork was designed by sculptor Gutzon Borglum and serves as a testament to American history and ideals. The meticulous craftsmanship and grand scale of the monument are awe-inspiring, making it a must-see attraction.

As we parked our bikes and walked closer to the memorial, we reflected on the significance of the site, embodying the spirit of liberty and the pursuit of greatness. The combination of the scenic ride and the historical marvel of Mount Rushmore made for a truly unforgettable day in the Black Hills.

Trip journal: Day 9

Yellowstone

We set out to conclude our Sturgis adventure with a thrilling ride through Yellowstone National Park, heading back to Idaho. The journey through Yellowstone, established in 1872 as the first national park in the U.S. and the world, was nothing short of spectacular. Known for its unique geothermal features—like Old Faithful and countless hot springs—Yellowstone also boasts stunning landscapes, including mountains, valleys, and rivers.

As we rode deeper into the park, the sight of bison—American buffalo—was an unforgettable highlight. These majestic creatures are iconic symbols of the American West and play a significant role in the history of the region. Once numbering in the millions, bison faced near extinction in the late 1800s due to overhunting and habitat loss. However, concerted conservation efforts have allowed their populations to rebound, and today, Yellowstone is home to one of the largest remaining herds of wild bison in North America.

Riding alongside these incredible animals as they roamed freely in their natural habitat added a sense of adventure and connection to the rugged spirit of the West. The historical significance of both Yellowstone and its bison population enriched our final day, reminding us of the importance of preserving such natural wonders for future generations to enjoy. As we continued our journey toward Idaho, we felt grateful for the experiences and memories created during our time at Sturgis and beyond.

Trip journal: Day 10

Return to Idaho

With the memories of Yellowstone still fresh in our minds, we revved our engines and began our ride back into Idaho. The sun was beginning to set, painting the sky with hues of orange and purple, providing a stunning backdrop for our journey. Despite the late hour, there was an invigorating energy in the air as we rode through the serene wilderness. As we crossed the border into Idaho, the landscape transformed, featuring rolling hills and expansive vistas that stretched out before us. The peaceful roads allowed us to reflect on our Sturgis adventure, the incredible sights we’d seen, and the bonding moments shared with each mile. Riding through the night added a feeling of exhilaration to our journey, the cool night air keeping us alert as we navigated the winding roads.

The calmness of the Idaho countryside contrasted sharply with the bustling atmosphere of Sturgis, yet it was equally beautiful. As the stars began to twinkle overhead, we made our way to our destination, each of us filled with a sense of accomplishment from the trip. By the time we reached our final stop late that night, we were tired but euphoric, grateful for the spectacular journey we had undertaken.

At least we made it back home safe! They say every mile traveled is worth it—unless it’s a mile to the couch after a long trip!” We couldn’t help but smile, grateful for the adventure and ready for a well-deserved rest.

Reflection

With a total of 4,045 miles ridden for this trip, we have covered a vast expanse of breathtaking landscapes, historic landmarks, and cultural treasures, all while experiencing and understanding the true essence of what being a bike is and embracing the lifestyle to its fullest!

Special thanks to my nephew, Ethan DuBoise for not only joining me on this Epic Adventure as well as celebrating my 52nd Birthday but thanks for creating some amazing video content of our trip.

To experience the full measure of this amazing journey, click on the links below: · [B]_Video_Road to Sturgis_Day 1: https://youtu.be/Fj1uo9ls4eg

· [B]_Video_Road to Sturgis_Day 2: https://youtu.be/Ftoe0jBCYNs

· [B]_Video_Road to Sturgis Day 4: https://youtu.be/bzqb6D2lNCo

· [B]_Video_Road to Sturgis_Day 5: https://youtu.be/FlLoJXNnuPw

· [B]_Video_Road to Sturgis_Day 6: https://youtu.be/U7OrABchfEk

· [B]_Video_Road to Sturgis_Day 7: https://youtu.be/8FeqRQcTS_k

· [B]_Video_Road to Sturgis_Day 8: https://youtu.be/MSJ18ZOEgyE

· [B]_Video_Road to Sturgis Day 9: https://youtu.be/OmsOeKqVaGI

🎉 Special Campaign Announcement! 🎉

As we wrap up this issue of OWN IT Magazine, I want to spotlight the winner of The Two Wheeled Freedom Photo/ Video Contest held while I was on the road.

Our Grand Prize Winner: Ben Jordan

Photo by Ben Jordan: “I was at the park one evening and saw the bike sitting in the perfect light, so I just whipped out my phone and took the pic,”

Words from our winner:

“I got this bike a few years ago so my wife and I could do more charity rides…unfortunately with Covid and health issues we never actually got the opportunity to do anymore rides.”

“Having this bike represented a new chapter in our lives that was unfortunately short lived as she cannot ride anymore due to a back surgery the rendered her disabled.

“I love our bike and hope to get her back on the open road one day.”

Ben,

Thank you for your outstanding submission to the Two-Wheeled Freedom Photo/Video Contest! Your creativity and passion for the open road truly shone through in your entry, and we are thrilled to recognize you as our grand prize winner. We appreciate your participation and the vibrant spirit you brought to the contest. You will be contacted via email shortly to gather your mailing address so we can send you your official Two-Wheeled Freedom merchandise. Congratulations once again, and we look forward to seeing you on the road!

Remember that life is a journey best experienced with the wind in your hair and the open road ahead. Embrace the freedom of two-wheeled adventures, ride towards new horizons, and own every moment along the way. Stay inspired, stay fearless, and keep riding towards the adventure that awaits. Own it, always!

UNTIL NEXT ISSUE. READERS!!