On The Road

Laughlin, NV is the third most visited casino and resort destination in the state after Las Vegas and Reno, and is one of the top 5 destinations for American RV enthusiasts.

The city is also known for having the first multiple murders in a Nevada casino….it was called the River Run Riot and I previously blogged about the day that Laughlin changed for motorcycle rallies. And instead of singing “On the Road Again“, a song made famous by country music singer Willie Nelson,  I’m thinking about a motorcycle rally parody of the song, singing “Got your bucks again. I can’t wait to get your bucks again…”.

I won’t be in a RV, but will be offline for a few days because it’s time to experience the spaces between here and there, and to see what becomes of them because “it’s better in the wind.”

Photo courtesy of Sassenbach, Chatroulette.com and H-D.

All Rights Reserved © Northwest Harley Blog

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Rollin’ Down the Road On Some Cold Blue Steel

ZZ Top at Aquarius Amphitheater - 2007

On Saturday the Portland area recieved yet another blast of winter.  High wind warnings, low 40’s and over an inch of rain so, I’d been pushing the buttons in the automobile. 

From country to soft rock and then I settled on this little gem from XM DeepTracks channel. 

With its stuttering intro and swagger…it’s about living in the moment, enjoying the ride.

“Well I was rollin’ down the road in some cold blue steel
I had a blues man in the back, and a beautician at the wheel
We going downtown in the middle of the night
We laughing and I’m jokin’ and we feelin’ alright
Oh I’m bad, I’m nationwide
Yes I’m bad, I’m nationwide”

The cool cat musicians I reference are ZZ Top singing “I’m Bad, I’m Nationwide” from the 1979 “Degüello” album.

I cranked up the volume to revel in the magic and was instantly reminded of the Aquarius Amphitheater at the 2007 Laughlin River Run. It was the 25th Anniversary of the motorcycle rally and ZZ Top headlined the largest bike rally in the western U.S. 

Thinking back to the concert I remember the stadium steps were sticky.  The people were sweaty.  The liquid refreshments were warm.  But we were thrilled to be there. There wasn’t a special section for hedge funders, no separation of the classes, we were one, motorcycle enthusiasts from across the country reveling in the music.

If you’re unfamiliar with the Laughlin, NV rally then it’s a must add to your riding “bucket list.”  It’s four days of wall-to-wall bikes, exhibits, vendors and entertainment. The rally is distinctive with 10 major casino resorts along a two-mile stretch on Casino Drive and everything is literally at your hotel doorstep.   The desert makes a great backdrop and riding bonus for the event. 

Sure there have been moments of negative, but in about 3 weeks it will be time for the 2010 Laughlin River Run.  I’m looking forward to a quick drive-by and then it’s on to a scenic tour around the canyon.  Grand Canyon.  I’ve previously posted on the 2009 Laughlin Rally HERE and 2008 Rally HERE.

Photo courtesy of ZZ Top, at Laughlin River Run.

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The Tax Fast Lane

I believe that people work harder and invest more when they can keep a larger portion of what they earn.  I don’t believe this concept is unique to the left or right.  I also believe government should promote work; savings and private investment; and stable sensible policies to facilitate the efficient exchange of goods and services.  Good tax policy promotes balance between livability and livelihood.

In Oregon the gas tax revenue maintains the state highway system. Because it’s getting squeezed by rising cost of materials and labor along with a decline in revenues due to improved fuel efficiency and people driving less due to the economy the frantic lawmakers are proposing a mileage-based tax system.  You’ll be required to attach a GPS to your motorcycle and it will track miles traveled in Oregon.  Service station pumps will have electronic reading devices to collect mileage data from the motorcycle and you’ll receive a tax bill in the mail.  Never mind privacy issues.

This from a state where voters couldn’t pass the “no brainer” measure 59 which would allow a taxpayer to deduct from Oregon taxable income the entire amount of federal income taxes the taxpayer paid on the income subject to Oregon income tax.  At the same time there was pure genius from the Oregon Zoo management who paraded out an endearing baby elephant just as voters were being ask to pay more property taxes via a $125M bond measure to enlarge the elephant reserve.  I’m not anti-zoo, but paying more $$ to make an inadequate elephant exhibit a litter bigger in the middle of the Portland metro area seems anti “peta-ish.”

If that wasn’t enough elephant Haathi Chap for you there is the Oregon governor, Ted “Sleepy” Kulongoski.  He seems to be clueless in coming up with one idea after 6 years in office other than to propose building a 2000-room hotel by the convention center and open it as a state-owned casino.  How ironic because Kulongoski was the most vocal opponent of video poker back when the state economy and budget wasn’t in free fall.  If this is his best idea of dramatic state government restructuring and leading Oregonians through a recession that has forced over 12% of the residents out of their jobs — then Ted your cheese has slid off your cracker!  All he talks about is raising taxes (property, mileage, lotto, cigarettes, gas, sales, and the list goes on) — gimme, gimme, gimme and nothing about downsizing incompetent government.  In a very recent interview Kulongoski said,

“When you do not have enough revenue,… a lot of the fun leaves.” 

A true mark of a real loser is to whine when the going gets tough!

There are TEA Parties and tax revolts being held all over the state.  Join in and have a voice.

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Lady Luck and Casino Night

This Saturday (October 20th) Paradise HD (PHD) is having their 6th Annual Casino Night. It’s not Vegas, but get your lady luck shirt on and make a run for the money! They plan to have Craps, Blackjack, Roulette, and Texas Hold’em. You collect prizes for your winnings on the gaming tables and food and beverages are provided. Casino Night starts at 6pm and ends at 9pm. So much for running the tables all night long! Register in advance with a $5.00 donation for needy families.

And if you don’t drink to many soda’s playing Craps, on Sunday morning the Sunset HOG Chapter is doing a Fall Color Ride. They plan to meet at PHD at 10:30am.

Cheers

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