Meanwhile, below are the entries in 2024 and winners selected each month.

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Dunne Donne Rides
by Wayfarer
with illustration by Wayfarer

Dunne Donne’s life was shit. It all began when he was named Dunne Donne and then it was all downhill.

Low and blue, he deliberately stepped on dog poo to remind himself as he slipped further South into the commode of humanity. Early in high school, he saw the coolest thing he ever witnessed. No, not a pretty woman. A Triumph Bonneville in racing colors being kickstarted by a football player.

Everything changed. He aspired to be a motorcyclist. He lurked around authorized dealerships. He peaked in bars from his mommy’s van. He pilfered motorcycle magazines from his uncle’s truck.

Soon, he had better hair, clear skin, fit physique and better taste in clothes. Thanks to getting out and getting into motorcycles!

(publication dated 11-July-2024)

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Speed Is An Old School Biker
by Gearhead
with illustration by Wayfarer

Speed rides the West Coast circuit. An old knowledgeable racer, I saw him at his final race on the Ascot half-mile track. That Friday night he raced for the #1 standings.

Snake a youngster was right behind Speed in points. Called Snake for his tactics, they lined up side by side. Wheel-stands out the gate, they stayed side by side through the first turn then the second one. Down the back stretch Snake pulled a bike length and then made his move. He gassed it and fish-tailed into Speed's front tire. The 750 Sporty spun into the bales of hay at 80 mph.

Speed retired. Snake died off a gunshot wound…

(publication dated 04-July-2024)

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Clear
by Rhys
with illustration by Wayfarer

After terrible stress-filled weeks jumped on the bike to clear my head. Took back roads avoiding traffic. Lost in thought, I hit roads I’d never been on before.

Eventually stopping to wet my whistle and take in new surroundings. Heading back only a few miles from home, I approached a sprawling intersection. A rather large dump truck came out of nowhere crossing my path. Mind raced. Hit the brakes? I’ll go down. Searched for opening and options. There’s always a way. Twisted the throttle and skirted around the truck but not by much.

Even using the chop to clear my head. ya gotta pay attention.

(publication dated 20-June-2024)

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by Gearhead
with illustration by Wayfarer

Texas Red frustrated while installing the oil pump on the Panhead chopper. Red decided to clean his guns while watching an old spaghetti western. Red figured if the TV gunfighter could strip down an old Colt, he could. The 5-count code: strip, re-assemble, load, cock and shoot.

Red handled the 5-count but pulled the trigger. The Colt went off and Red said, "Oh Shit the cops will be here in a minute!" He looked up and witnessed a hole the size of a beer bottle cap in the roof. Gotta go…

(publication dated 13-June-2024)

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The Widow's Son
by Wayfarer
with illustration by Wayfarer

Tobey pawned off whatever was left of his inheritance—clothes, shoes, cheap jewelry and twenty years of Reader’s Digest. He sold suitcases for trips never ventured. These were of no benefit while his Mom was alive. Life insurance paid a pittance of her funeral bill.

All the cash he mustered amounted to the sum of $ 21,699.25. The sum total cops wanted for a rotting, rusting Panhead, once Tobey’s father’s ride. Mom sold it to make ends meet when Dad died in a work accident.

A means to beginning Tobey’s new life of freedom from familial obligations. He sought the rehaul, the ride and the open road. His Harley represented a magnificent metamorphosis.

(publication dated 07-June-2024)

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Big George's Big Snake
by Gearhead

Big George, with a bad kicker knee wasn’t big, but bought a yardstick sized Boa Constrictor. Glistening and striped Samantha rode in his 1965 Panhead chopper leather saddle bags. Grew too big for his bags, so she ran loose in his pad.

Big George married, petite and perfunctory Judy, who knew Samantha, but the snake didn’t take to the wife and slithered on her vanity knocking all of her perfume bottles and cosmetics on the wooden deck, more than once. Impulsive Judy snapped, “The snake leaves or I do!”

Judy’s gone, and slithering Samantha still rules the roost.

(publication dated 03-June-2024)

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Ram Tough
by JJ Spain
with illustration by Wayfarer

We parked our bikes on the north side of Deadwood Lodge. Omaha, off I29 to I90 was a long hot ride. I stepped on green grass to stretch. A loud snort turned me around.

A Ram Big Horn Sheep with hazel eyes stared me down. He was as tall as my Harley and broad. His horns formed a perfect circle capped with gray, oyster and black ridges. Behind him stood four lady friends, half his size with matching fluffy white fur noses and rumps.

Big boy snorted again, louder and longer as he stomped a hoof on the grass. I sought protection behind my Harley.

"That ornery old goat wants you off his lawn,” Seth said…

(publication dated 25-May-2024)

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What’s It Gonna Be
by Keith 'Bandit' Ball
with illustration by Wayfarer

Jake at 6 feet and buffed pulled up to the log cabin saloon off Highway 25, in CO on his highbar 80 flathead. No other bikes in the lot, only SUVs.

He ordered a 3-2-1 Jack from blonde and bodacious. Her eyes sparkled but darted with concern. Suddenly surrounded by a young crew in camos, they snarled and brandished weapons. “Your loud pipes are done. It’s a climate emergency!” Said big and fuzzy.

“What’s it gonna be?” Jake asked. “Freedom and Truth or a lying piece-of-shit dictatorship.”

Fuzzy hesitated and gulped.

“Bring it on,” Jake said. “Bikers are ready.”

(publication dated 21-May-2024)

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Divide and Run
by Gearhead
with illustration by Wayfarer

TJ on his ‘80 Super Glide, Budreu on his ‘80 Wide Glide and me on my ‘70 Electra Glide jammed. The local sheriff waited for us to make a slip up for days.

We knew all the back roads.

We left the Rusty Nail bar one night and spotted the Sheriff in our vibrating sideview mirrors. Three abreast, we pulled up to the only dingy stop light in town. He turned on his flashing cop lights, and we left on the hazy green signal in three different ways.

He pulled into the intersection and just sat there.

(publication dated 11-May-2024)

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The boo-boo
by Wayfarer
with illustration by Wayfarer

She could not take her eyes off him. He was enjoying rum & chips with his longtime love, a childhood lover, seemingly inseparable. Then they left and the lonely, lovely stranger who served them, yearned for the man to return.

A few days later, they bumped into each other at a charity hiking trip, aimed at picking trash on trails. He was alone. Apparently, he loved the outdoors and his gal loved cozy evenings in cafes and pubs. “Opposites attract” the waitress sighed.

Then she had an epiphany, “one who waits, is a waiter,” and she introduced herself. He loved the coffee from her flask. She loved that he was interested in her. Soon, she offered to drop him home on her dual-sport Honda Transalp. He asked for her number and they planned a new trail.

(publication dated 03-May-2024)

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Hot Day, Sweet Beer
by Rhys
with illustration by Wayfarer

Pulled out of my garage and took off down the street. No particular destination just needed the wind in my face.

After an hour or so came across a little joint on a country road with outside seating at picnic tables. I dismounted my steel steed and sat down . A cute little thing came out and I asked for an ice cold draft.

Sipping the brew and listening to the exhaust tick I thought it was a good day to be alive.

(publication dated 28-Apr-2024)

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The Tavern Stop
by Gearhead
with illustration by Wayfarer

I walked into the dark tavern after midnight. The last call was in a couple of hours. There she sat waiting for her biker knight in the corner. I sauntered over and sat down next to her. “What is your name Doll.”

“My name is Mariah,” she muttered, her red lips glistened. “What is yours big man?”

“They call me Texas Red.”

“Your mother not like you or something?” She asked.

“I was named after a famous outlaw by my Dad.” I then bought us both whiskeys. We toasted to our friendship. I put my hand on her thigh and the rest is history.

(publication dated 26-Apr-2024)

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Third Date
by JJ Spain
with illustration by Wayfarer

He introduced Mary to her first motorcycle ride. He pulled alongside a Ford Focus using the right turning lane. At the last second, the Ford also decided to turn right. The car's front fender gave the cycle an extra boost off the two-lane, crashing through a picket fence.

Able to slide to a stop still upright, he sighed. His left knee put a dent in the black tank. His date was scared and crying. The bastard driver of the car didn't stop. They rode to her house to ice his knee.

Two years later, he took a knee and she said, “Yes.”

(publication dated 16-Apr-2024)

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Fuzzy
by Wayfarer
with illustration by Wayfarer

I swayed left and right, twisting the throttle, pushing and pulling at the handlebars. I was tense, sweating throughout on an early morning in June. If only I could ride another 200 miles, I know I would be at peace.

This time yesterday, I had kickstarted my journey to the heartland. There were no goodbyes at work, maybe there will be none at my destination, my home. As I evaded the bustling traffic on the interstate, the many commuters dissolved, my mind picturing her smile, her yellow gown, her rare recipes and most of all, her patience with me.

The oil rig fellas had pitched in to do my share of work as I took off to a final resting place. Mom was fading fast. Will she remember me in her condition? I gotta stay awake to fulfill her dreams and a promise to be by her side.

(publication dated 30-Mar-2024)

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Quig
by J J Spain (Jeffrey)
with illustration by Wayfarer

I took the first Piedmont exit off I90, rolling the Chieftain on to the parking lot of Matt’s Place, the front tire of the Indian facing the interstate. The t-shirts stapled to the wall said Matt wasn’t there, he was fishing.

Silently I tipped my champagne of beers to the Blackhills and whispered to my friend that I missed him. It’s been four years now since he left, yet I still hear his voice, his laugh and wish I could cast a fly like he could.

Time goes by, the days go fast, the best leave us first. Enjoy Miller time.

(publication dated 30-March-2024)

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Stray Paths
by Rhys
with illustration by Wayfarer

Eased the old Shovel to a stop. Pulled into the bar parking lot for a quick beer. A little kid approached, not much more than 5, holding a puppy.

He held out the dog to me, and I took it to give it a couple of pats. I turned and the kid vanished. Not wanting to let the little guy go on a busy city street I tucked him in my vest and headed home. On the way his little head poke out into the breeze.

At home I noticed an injury to the hind quarter. The vet unable to fix, I had to let him go.

At least he got to feel the wind in his face.

(publication dated 25-March-2024)

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Burn Out
by Wayfarer
with illustration by Wayfarer

The winds slapped his body as he kept his head steady, guiding the Fat Boy through backroads, out past county lines. The roads uneven, but the path was known to him. The brothers had brought the fight to the establishment.

The State however considered them a malignant minority. Even as cops and Congressmen thrashed the group with harsh laws and fines, the rider’s outlook was – all for one and one invaluable Constitution.

As they stood their ground, an underground parking lot exploded.

“Outlaws!”

“Scum!”

Age-old slimy propaganda to delude the masses. In a city that banned ICE engines, it was anybody’s guess what had exploded.

(publication dated 23-March-2024)

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Melanie
by Bandit
with illustration by Wayfarer

A miniature human with a radiant smile and satin skin. Her old man worked the oil fields and his Sportster tank was delicately painted by George Wild. Her one mission was to collect it in her rusting VW bug.

The magnificent flames glistened on the modified tank. George attempted to fondle the satin button, the tank nearly becoming a weapon. A weakness for abandoned pets steered her off course. The tank became the object of potential scratches and drooling dogs. Groceries dislodged and a fender bender nearly hurled the candy flames.

Still that night a brother rode to club church with a brilliant smile on his face. She made it.

(publication dated 18-March-2024)

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Blow Up a Sportster
by Gearhead
with illustration by Wayfarer

Nicko worked at the garage down the block when his Mom called in a panic. Nicko hauled ass in his hopped up ‘67 Cougar. The alley gate lock to the storage yard swung open. Where is Dad's Tahiti blown race boat?

“Which way did they go,” Nicko yelled. “Did they steal anything else?”

“I don't think so,” Mom said.

Nicko ran into the garage and still under the tarp was his turbo-charged Sportster street racer. Nicko flew from the garage in a wheel stand heading West down the alley. When his front 21 touched down, he rolled into the gas station where the thieves stopped to refuel.

(publication dated 15-March-2024)

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She’s Gone
by Jeffrey aka JJ Spain
with illustration by Wayfarer

I left Hill City on highway 385 north to Deadwood, I had to see it for myself. The temperature was in the low 30s, a little cold for a ride but it wasn’t respectful to go in a car.

Dark smoke belched from the black mass of rubble, as a small breeze drifted the smokey haze into the pines. A police officer directed traffic while firetrucks and volunteer firemen hosed the area.

Thirty straight rally years did I enjoyed many a beer, burgers and conversations at this place. Now she’s gone.

I hope the Sugar Shack can make it back.

(publication dated 15-March-2024)

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Sparks
by Jeffrey aka JJ Spain
with illustration by Wayfarer

He leaned hard right into the curve, pushing his hands down while keeping his head erect, doing 55 mph in a 35. He tried his best to force sparks to ignite from his exhaust pipes against the concrete on Highway 14 A, Boulder Canyon to Deadwood, SD. The Michelin tires held tight as the next curve approached. He rolled the throttle on, pushing to 70 mph on the last notorious bend before the straightaway. Sparks flew!

Yelling in exhilaration, he threw a fist in the air.

Glancing in his rearview mirror, red and blue flashing lights came into view.

Totally worth it.

(publication dated 10-January-2024)

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