El Diablo Run 2015: This was epic. 400 bikes causing all sorts of mischief from Temecula, CA, down into the Baja. Lawyers are expensive. Penicillin and Tequila are cheap. Stories are priceless, but you won’t hear them from me. At least, not on my blog. If you’re not a d-bag and you actually ride your motorcycle, you should check out the EDR in 2017. The guys at Biltwell do an awesome job putting it on. I’ll let them share with you the “official” release.
The view from our porch in Custer
Sturgis Black Hills Rally: This year was the 75th anniversary, and it was crazy packed. We stayed out in Custer and had a great time, but the traffic, especially in Sturgis proper, was unreal. It would be interesting to see how much traffic would be there if only those who rode their bikes to the rally were allowed to ride in Sturgis. It has really become an incredible confluence of trailers and RVs. Such is life. To get my views on trailering, you can read here. No use repeating myself.
The highlights for me were the weather, which was perfect (for once) and our pyramid of flaming beer cans. This episode was indicative of the theory that men really never quite grow up. Lighting things on fire is always an option, and always fun.
Tawas Run: This was a private run to a regional M/C’s annual party. We rented out an entire motel right on Lake Huron and partied like rockstars for the weekend. Bunch of guys on bikes, riding up north, hanging out on the beach and having lots of cookouts and bonfires, along with plenty of beers…as far as I’m concerned, that’s what it’s all about. I’m not a fan of “bar hopping” on motorcycles, but I am a fan of riding the shit out of ’em, putting down the kickstand for the night and then having a few beers.
Vegas/Sedona/Jerome: Ah, riding through the desert…at night…in November. Always exciting! I was on a Road King, and it was so dark that the reflection from the speedo off the shield was totally disorienting. So much so that we stopped at a truck stop and I masked it off. Note: Sedona is a neat place, perfect to chill out and enjoy some fine dining and wine with your SO. For bikers, though, stay up on the hill in Jerome. It’s got history, nightlife, and all things bikers need, including a haunted hotel and a tattoo parlor. Next time, I’m staying there.
Key West: One of the great things about Eagle Riders is that you can arrive at iconic motorcycle destinations fresh and ready to ride, and you don’t have to burn four or five days on crushing interstate miles. I 
know, I know, I rant about riding your bike, but when you live in the Midwest, it takes several days to get to some of the better riding locales. If you can hop a flight…in January, and ride from Miami to Key West, that sure as shit beats sitting on your couch watching it snow.
With Key West, it’s all about the ride down. There is no real riding on the island. Yeah, it’s cool to be able to putt around on the bike, but hitting those multi-mile bridges connecting the keys is pretty incredible. The official iBiker recommendation for Key West is one long weekend when leaving from Miami. Leave early Friday, take a leisurely ride down, party your ass off Friday night and Saturday, and head home Sunday. Trust me: that’s enough Key West.