We heard about a crusie like this a couple of years ago and decided that this would be our vacation for 2009 and boy it was probably in my top 5, it was a blast.

The ship held about 3,700 passengers and 1/3 of the ship was filled with bikers from all over the country (even Germany and England). 

Every night we had second seating for dinner and while other passangers we wearing suits and sportcoats we wore biker attire, our “formal” night was “Leather required”.  This just added to the fun and you could imagine the looks we got from the other 2/3 of the ship, the joke the day we boarded the ship was “DON’T WORRY, WE DON’T BITE…HARD…”  This pretty much set the tone for the rest of the cruise.  The looks we got from those in suits and formal attire was priceless.

But I must explain more about the cruise, this cruise is run by a couple from Virginia and they have been doing this cruise for over 7 years.  What this cruise does is to allow dialysis patients to go on a cruise vacation.  The money raised by these “biker”  passengers through raffles and 50/50  goes to pay for those patients that cannot go on vacation because of the dialysis treatment they receive.  The moneys raised pay for their ticket, their treatments, the health care providers and provides them with spending money.  Without this cruise it would  be difficult for them to afford a cruise vacation (bikers are really very generous people).  This cruise raised over $120,000 for the dialysis fund.

It makes Kath and I proud that we were part of this fund raising effort.  Not only did we help raise money for the fund we have established some lasting friendship with people who are motorcycle enthuisiats like us.  I will never forget this cruise or the dialysis patients that I had the priviledge to meet.

Next year Kath and I are not going to be able to go, but I assure you that this will be a recurring vacation event.

If anyone is interested please go to the following website:

http://www.hogsonthehighseas.com

Until next time, BE COOL AND RIDE SAFE!

Ed

I was a little apprehensive since the last time I tried to do this my bike wouldn’t start and the trickle charger indicated that the battery was fully charged, so with a grimace I hit the start button and the bike roared to life (see what buying a new battery can do).

As I recall it was a little overcast but I NEEDED to ride, so I proceeded to log over 40 miles that day, at first the day was overcast but as I was riding the sun started to burn through the clouds and “life was good”.

I went to visit my parent gravesite in North Arlington just to say “Hi” and my bike was loving me  that day, it couldn’t get enough of the road under it’s tires, it was as if it wanted to go faster and far be it from me to deny my ride what it wanted.

As I was heading back home I took the turnpike to fulfill my “need for speed”, as I was riding I was looking at all the people in “cages” and felt bad for them as they weren’t “riding the wind”, they were cooped up in their car and appeared to be envious.

Needless to say, I love to ride and until my body says I can’t anymore I will continue to “ride the wind”.

Until next time, BE COOL AND RIDE SAFE!

Ed

Ed, Michael, Kathy, and Mike (I think he ate some eggs)!

To get a bit more serious, this toy run goes to Bristol-Myers Squibb Children’s Hospital in New Brunswick NJ. The toys of course are for a bunch of kids who will most likely be spending Thanksgiving and Christmas in the hospital. Liberty Harley had 636 bikes registered for the event and I am proud to be part of a community that so readily jumps in to help. Toy runs are nothing new to bikers and unfortunately we are not running out of reasons to have charity runs, but the riding community always responds and will always respond.

Inflatable Santa! Every toy run needs one of these!

As I am just getting to write this post the week of Thanksgiving, this event gives me pause and makes me “thankful” that I have great friends and family and despite the aggravation my kids sometimes inflict upon me (and the wife), they are healthy and we will all be home and together for the holidays.

Line 'em up! Getting ready to roll. Mike (left) contemplating another egg sandwich.

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Thanks!!!!!!

Jim