Biker Britches experienced the first expo venue in Indianapolis, IN. Our cabana of 10×10 fit perfect between our two pleasant fellow vending neighbors. Derek and I took great care to improve the makings of our ambience, the feel and look of a unique boutique greeted and was enjoyed by many wonderful people. The local Harley dealer had created a road on the floor aligning those beautiful two wheel machines just across the walk way in front of our spot. O’ the eye candy.

The Spirit of the Ride flowed through all participants, the sense of brotherhood as people interacted patiently, peacefully with kindness and courteous manners.

We were located close to the fashion show runway. Two show performances each day by Crystal, Angela, Amanda, Kelley, Kristina, and Dirk modeling Biker Britches long sleeve burnout thermals and panties. They had fun performing and the audience rewarded them with hoots of approval while clapping confirming their pleasure.

I feel blessed to have met so many good hearted people the fellow vending folks, the men and woman orchestrating the rodeo fun indoors, and the new fans sporting their Biker Britches. Check out the photos to feel the fun was had by all.

I was excited  to layer up for this beautiful sunny, yet chilly, Sunday morning.  A smile in my heart, I strapped a toy on the back side of my bike.  One thousand motorcycles hauling a toy for a tot.  T he generous hearted folks throwing candy to all throughout the well laid out parade route beginning at the K-mart located on the west side of Davenport, Iowa. Destination and purpose, to hand the toy to the U.S. Marines waiting at the Hobby Lobby parking lot on the East side of Davenport.   It was a grand site to see all those bikes in front of you and as far as you could see in your rear view mirror.  Wow, being a part of the smile a child will feel when Christmas rolls around is what being an A.B.A.T.E. member expresses.  Doing for others always puts a warmth in the soul.

The afternoon provided a perfect day to witness God’s glory all around me. High on the bluffs the tree line of fall colors sprouting as the road angles along the mighty Mississippi river affording layered up boaters one more day of adventure.  Blue Sky dotted with white fluffy puffs, sunshine trying to warm the crisp air with autumn smells titillating and invigorating my soul.  Full helmet and leathers, that free spirit of the ride feeling soared in my heart, that incredible bliss. Life is so good.

Hwy 67 north, destination, a burger in Clinton Iowa then hit Hwy 30 toward home arriving around 4:00pm; before the waining of daylight can dim the constant look out for deer crossing the road.  Not quite out of Princeton, Iowa,  just about to put my feet on the ground stopping for a car making a left hand turn, while 8 bikes are south bound, I hear the screeching of tires.   I am processing the thought of “what’s that” when I feel the hit.  The car grill is lodged up under my back fender jettisoning me to the right shoulder of the road.  The back wheel is not moving, I am still upright until the abrupt resting place the bike topples over.  I feel the wieght of the bike on my right ankle, foot, scrambling to get my foot free, I think the angels pulled me out.  I remained on the ground in a prone position on my right side.  The on coming fellow bikers stopped to assist, one person was an EMT., I was fully conscious as he continued to hang with me and speak to me until 911 was called and on site.  I don’t know who you are, I hope I cross your path one day soon to express my deep gratitude.  Thank You Very Much for Your Time and Kindness.                

 I am very lucky, no broken bones, no road rash.  A sore body of bruiseing and muscular issues will take some time to work through but WOW I am still here.

The lady said she was looking in her rear view mirror and when she looked up there I was.  A Motorcycle rider is more vulnerable on the road this is true, But we have as much right to our space on the road as every other vehicle.   How do we educate awareness?  Awareness is the key no matter what vehicle one is driving.  

Practicing  The imfamous ” SEE”  = search, evauluate, execute.

On September 17th sunshine blessed Keosauqua, Iowa.  Biker Britches was fortunate to take our place among very kind and courteous fellow vendors.  The fairgrounds were manicured with campers on one end and hundreds of tents positioned in circles. The scene was complete with a fire in the middle creating a home away from home atmosphere.  There is something about the site of bikes parked in and out that just embraces the heart, reflecting a smile on everyone. 

Thursday was set up day and time to mingle with the others. There were many joyful souls and great music by a local band named Jefferson County Green Band.  The music was hot and alive! The Jefferson County Green Band is a group of talented young men.  I personally bought both of their CD’s. 

I was told of the two previous years being rained out lending to not such a great time. However,  a number of the same folks took another chance that this year would gain the down home fun feeling back and it sure did!

Friday 9/18/09  &  Saturday 9/19/09  

Many took advantage of riding the rolling hills during the day.  There was such beauty to feast your eyes on whether a driver or a rider.  The Sun was shining brighytly and the temperature perfect wether you were enjoying your journey to begin the fun or out on an adventure for the day. Biker Britches products were purchased and sometimes worn right then and there.  The jokes told while customers browsed or plain good conversation among the fellow vendors topped off a wonderful experience closing down around 11:30pm just in time for the next band to start.

I enjoyed the fire among the group while derek took in the scenery of the festival and the various unique contests offered.  Overall we most enjoyed people visiting out site and chatting with others while we grabbed a bite to eat which made this event such a success.

Please enjoy the photos of a band of FUN- SEEKERS.

I Thank fellow vendors for encouraging words and information supporting our growth. I sure hope to be invited back and hope to see you all again.

I Thank all whom purchased Biker Britches & take “the Spirit of Ride into your everyday,

Connie

Derek and I were very excited to be invited to vend at the Iron Horse as I had heard this was a place filled with fun seekers and great music in Sabula, Iowa.

I have always enjoyed the ride up through this lay of the land but had never been through the iron gates where the festivities take place. Our eyes grew wide as we turned the Biker Britches trailer onto the road leading back to the rolling hillsides of campers and tents encompassing a bowl shape where we would set up, greeting and making new friends.  We weremost grateful for the sunny day as it makes setting up a much more pleasant experience.

Nightfall brought the smell of campfire smoke,  sounds of laughter and the roar of bikes. Great music, dancing, wet tee-shirt debut, burnout competition and  mud bogging by day.  Pictures say a thousand words , that being said, please view our collection of daytime and night shots of a crowd that knows how to party.

I thank all whom made purchase of Biker Britches manifesting the spirit of the ride into their everyday.

Connie

Sept. 13 th was a wonderful sunny Sunday on the Wapsipinicon River.  Biker Britches trailer took position next to the the boys in camouflage, The US Army Recruiter’s rock climb.

To witness a hill climb is thrilling and not for the weak of heart. This was the first time i had seen something of this nature and  I found myself  holding my breath gasping, squirming, and anxious for the rider. As the bike reared up, the body sometimes perpendicular to the bike, load roars were heard along with the spray of dirt and dust to all below this steep vertical hillside. I cheered each contestant that made it and felt the crumble of anticipation for those less successful. This is a sport for the courageous and a spectators delight of all ages.

I enjoyed watching the children climb the wall and the visions of those on their bikes making the attempt will forever be engrained in my head.

I thank everyone  for your purchase,

 Enjoy taking the “Spirit of the Ride” into your everyday,

Connie

Biker Britches made a hometown debut August 28th.

I was a little nervous rolling into town that afternoon and once again was hopeful the rain would hold off.  I took my position among the other vendors for the annual home-town festival.  The Biker Britches trailer was located downtown Wilton, Iowa,  where the Saturday afternoon parade made the final corner for the judges to determine the winners. Dance recitals of various ages and Martial Arts were demonstrated.  I clearly had the “best seat in the house” as they say.  

Everyone was of great spirit greeting sunshine as we all had endured one rainy day after another it had seemed.  That night a local lady singer performed in a band named “Deliverance.”  Not only did we all get to enjoy “Lacy” maiden-name “ Henderson” belting out many favorite tunes, Joe Mc Clain, whom played in the XL’s when I was but a young girl,  graced us with his incredible piano playing talent.  I danced my legs off with friends and family and visited with friends I had not seen in some time. 

Making new friends in new places has been very fun and exciting but something about your own hometown is a bit like showing your underwear where scrutiny may lie. Another life lesson and that I was hosting an array of silly thoughts.  Derek’s hand drawn designs were recognized and appreciated by all.  A few customized thermals were requested and I was more than happy to accommodate. 

My new business, Biker Britches brought the “spirit of the ride” and smiles  to motorcycle and  non-motorcycle enthusiast.

I thank all the folks of my hometown for the encouraging words and purchases made.

Connie

August 14th – 15th Miles, Iowa.

Derek and I strolled along Interstate 80 to Hwy61 north to Hwy 64 feeling pleased how well our 16′ trailer careened the hills and curves of hwy. 64 behind the pick up that sunny Friday afternoon. I could only think of one better way to feel , smell, witness the beautiful trees populating the rolling hills and valleys of pasture dotted by farmsteads glistening of heartland America. No secret, on my own Pegasus, my iron horse. I would settle for the opportunity to bring Biker Britches to a new destination.

Hey, the weather held Friday night and Saturday. Set up was almost a breeze, the canopy of the trailer gave way arousing help from folks whom set up to camp just across from our spot by the front gate at Thresher Grounds in Miles, Iowa. I attended the district meeting hearing common challenges of non-profit organization. People pull together in democratic vote on many issues and recognize drama as just that-drama. I felt proud to be a member of the A.B.A.T.E. Freedom of Choice is the most important right to encourage, enhance, pay homage for. Educating is to enhance recognition. Each individuals free spirit has choice.

Saturday many enjoyed the fun run returning to campsites engaging in the rodeo events. A couple fun seekers took Biker Britches on the fun run and the girls visited all the stops returning a little more colorful. I met a great group named “The Ranch Riders” originating in Davenport, Iowa. They too do a lot of charity work and try to educate. Some of the Ranch Riders took the spirit of the ride manifested in the design of our intimate apparel home to their wives . We are now linked to their site.

Always Ride Safe, Always enjoy the moment!

Thank You to all whom purchased Biker Britches,

Connie

August 8th, early morning cast rolling dark clouds filled with threat of producing yet another summer Saturday of rain. 

I had cleaned and packed the Biker Britches trailer on Thursday, watched the rain filled day on Friday flow by, while  anticipating an adventurous Saturday arrival.

God heard my prayers because the day grew bright sunshine accompanied by a real nice breeze as I arrived to set up in Donahue, Iowa.  I was met by most kind and helpful individuals of the A. B.A.T.E. District 15.   You see, I was a bit nervous as I was going to be vending alone that day until a good friend of mine, Dawn Grau, volunteered her time to experience the day of activities.  I would be needing to do that trailer back up into the spot thing and even in my days of eighteen wheeler freight delivery I was never all that good.   Much to my relief , a fellow A.B.A.T.E. member did the honors.  We set up under a shade tree in sight line of the well organized rodeo event, I was grateful and excited. 

Participants rolling in on their various makes and models of motorcycles enriching the sounds of a peaceful sports park facility, the recipe for a day of guaranteed fun, and laughter while experiencing life in the moment.   Biker Britches brought smiles into the mix of fellowship, made new friends, and the purchases of the day road home in many saddlebags.

I want to Thank Everyone that worked so hard behind the scenes to organize and present the setting and function of 2-Broke for Sturgis.  Biker Britches was gratefull for the opportunity to participate.   We had fun meeting people, watching the rodeo events, and most of all increasing that expression of the “free-spirit of the ride” in the hearts of all whom purchased our products.

Thank you to all whom crossed our path freely lending information to debut our Biker Britches in more locations. 

Thank you to all the folks that purchased,

Connie

Our second big event has now come and gone. Derek, Emily, myself, and our helper Jane from Atlanta, did not know what to expect when we arrived at Market Days. We arrived on location at 8:30 Saturday morning to find our spot and looked at one another with the same thought, “How the heck are we going to fit our trailer there?” The sun was shining and before the event was close to starting there were spectators mulling around ready to get the party started. Backing in a 16 foot trailer up in the city was a new one but Derek managed to maneuver it into our spot with great ease.

This time around we had our fingers and toes crossed for great weather. Apparently we did not have them crossed enough as the rain rolled in. This rain was nothing compared to what we experienced Davenport, Iowa, but was a bit of a damper for the event (pun intended). Of course, being that we are Biker Britches we did not let the rain dampen our spirits.

The drizzle died off after an hour or so and the sunshine came back out bringing an even larger crowd. Several blocks away from stage one we could hear the rumble of the music and the cheers of people enjoying a great summer day. We did not know how our garments would be received but they were met with welcome arms.

We brought a few new lines with us which were a hit as well. Many were so anxious to put their new britches on they slipped away and came back to the festival with a large smile on their face. It was a long day and around 10pm we packed up and headed home to sleep fast before starting day two.

Sunday was a gorgeous day in the windy city with lots of fun and NO RAIN! The crowd was a bit smaller but the energy of the crowd was still strong. We met many new faces, saw some old and of course made new friends. A good deal of time was spent telling spectators about BB, how it all started and where we are headed. It was most exciting to tell people our website would be launching the next day!

Here we are at the 15th Annual “Sturgis” Mississippi Motorcycle Rally located at the fairgrounds of Davenport, Iowa. July 17-20, 2009.

June 17th
“Set-up Day” filled our hearts with anticipation of all the fun yet to be shared. Our makeshift outside store was ready for business at our first biker rally event experience. Derek, Emily and I enjoyed meeting the kind and supportive surrounding veteran vendors on all sides of our location.

June 18th
Sunshine started the day on our fabulous Biker Britches display – the big debut of our idea! The “free-spirit-of-the-ride” attitude had manifested itself in designs to be worn privately – or not so privately – just as long as participants can take the thrill of the ride with them while on their bike, or off it. We hope that each Biker Britches wearer will feel the true value of their purchase.

We loved the sound and sight of the bikes rolling in, filling our hearts with that one-of-a-kind free spirit attitude.

People found their way to our panty and hog hut (boxer briefs) designs. They browsed, bought, smiled and giggled as the passed through and made their way through the all the vendors. Goal number one was being met!

Just as we were enjoying our first sales, the weather took a turn… threatening black clouds with increasing winds. Derek and Emily left to buy blue tarps while I stayed to hold down the fort. Before they could return, Mother Nature let me know what wind, heavy rain, hail and lightning would feel like as I held onto the frame of our cabana. A fellow vendor joined my efforts as we gratefully watched the storm pass.

Derek, Emily and I mopped the water off of our panty bins – and we resumed our smiles for the remaining biker participants who forged on despite the grey sky that lingered the rest of that day.

June 19th
The lovely sunshine was slow to show, so Derek, Emily and I kicked our positive attitude into high gear the second day of our debut. An increasing number of bikes were rolling in. Simply witnessing and hearing the roar of the bikes has always engaged that free-spirit attitude down deep in my bones.

We were excited to mingle with our patrons. Fun and sales were happening as the news reached us that yet another super cell was moving in. This time, a fellow vendor who has a siding business offered to let us secure our panty bins inside his display. Yea!

We all went to the huge main tent along with many other vendors and biker participants to hang out and let the storm blow through. The super cell hit big, sending the huge tent flapping and capturing many under it. I ran out from under the flailing giant tarp top while looking for Emily and Derek, only to discover Emily holding her leg yelling “I’m hurt!”.

Derek had her by the arm, both hunched in a stance and bracing against the incredible strong wind and torrential downpour of rain. I saw a hole in Emily’s lower leg, and Derek immediately took off his very special bandana and quickly wrapped it around her wound. Each of us holding an arm, we raced Emily to the car and immediately to the local hospital. The good news was that whatever hit Emily went straight through and did not hit the Achilles tendon. The wound was impacted with mud making surgery necessary.

The sun came back out, and the event was back on – but Biker Britches remained closed. Emily was released from the hospital the following morning at 3:30 AM.

June 20th
The sunshine was out in full force. Derek and I opened our outside store by 9 AM, with gratitude that Emily was healing and knowing that this would be a grand day to share the free-spirit attitude.

Emily was an inspiration while in the hospital. When asked about the pain, she bravely stated: “There are many over there (at war) that have laid in the desert waiting for help, and the results for our soldiers are most often far beyond our experiences. I’ve got nothing, nothing, to complain about.”

Thank God we live in the land of the Free.

Please view the pictures form the event. Thank you to one and all who enjoyed the days with us, and a special thanks to all who made the first (of many, I hope) Biker Britches purchases!

Yours truly,
Connie