Day 7 of the Black Hills Rally

Well, we have completed what I would call the 7th day of the Black Hills Rally. It is Friday, but based on the crowd behavior, you would have expected it to be a Wednesday. There were not many people early in the day, they came out after noon.

I figured we had people later in the day because the weather was wonderful here and the bikers were probably getting in the last few rides before they had to head back to their respective homes. The weather in Custer has been great, we don't really get rain until much later in the day, usually around 7 or 8 pm after most people have either stopped for the night, or already headed back to Sturgis for the parties.

Today was no different other than it did get a good bit warm. Once and a while the breeze would kick up and we would get a much needed relief from the heat. What I find interesting here is the large quantity of grasshoppers that have appeared. Today it looked like they were swarming. We had a few hundred behind the tent and as you looked out towards the hills, you saw thousands of those little buggers flying all over. You couldn't walk anywhere with bunches of grasshoppers jumping away from your feet. There were also quite a few that would fly into you and either bounce off, or hang on for the ride. Hopefully the birds will come and eat all those bugs, the grasshoppers are all over, even jumping on people. I did have to laugh, the grasshoppers were so bad that as one gentleman walked past, there were grasshoppers on his back and one landed in his beard. He did a very interesting dance trying to remove the grasshopper from his beard...

We had a great thunderstorm here tonight, awesome lightning show that lasted about 20 minutes and continued to roll Southeast. We saw some very close lightning strikes, but it did not appear any fires followed. After the storm, the full moon came peaking out from the leftover clouds. It was an awesome moonrise.

Hopefully tomorrow will also be a beautiful day for the riders. We understand that Sturgis got hit with a significant hailstorm, and Rapid City had heavy rains and high winds. Custer only received that brief thunderstorm I talked about. Perhaps the weather all over the area will hold again for the day to allow riders to continue wandering around the Black Hills.

As much as I enjoy the activity during the Black Hills Rally, I am looking forward to having a few days off to catch up on all the paperwork. Just working a rally is fun, but there is a tremendous amount of paperwork that is involved before and after (including taxes...fun...). I would also love to have the chance to sleep in and be able to work on the computer when I want, not after the booth closes. I know, life is tough....I still get to ride and enjoy the great outdoors while some of you may be working in an office and not be able to get out on the road.

There is a lot to be said for being your own boss. There is a lot of work involved, but there is also the ability to make as much or as little money as you want when you want. You are in control (reasonably) of your own destiny. Your decisions may make or break your business. I would not trade this type of stress for a Corporate job. I don't mind the work, I guess you could call me a workaholic, but at least I am working for the benefit of myself and others. I feel I can make more of a difference in the world instead of working for someone else who may not want to help others.

I will get off my soapbox now. If you are interested in starting your own business, or want to grow your personal business, I will be starting another blog next week on that subject. I want to have an article or two posted by next week. Until then, have a wonderful day.

Day 6 of the Black Hills Rally

I can't believe I forgot the camera in the trailer again. I am almost out of battery on the camera too, so pretty soon I won't be able to take any pictures.

The rally was pretty slow today, there were storms all around us. There was a tornado watch later in the afternoon, the clouds got really dark and strange shaped. Fortunately for us in Custer, nothing much happened, not even a lot of wind or rain. I am not disappointed. Have not been checking the local news, but hopefully nothing serious came out of the tornado watch.

After a great chili dinner cooked by Rock, a bunch of us vendors went to the outside parking lot of the Crazy Horse Monument to watch the laser light show (the rain had stopped and it looked like we would be dry for a while). We got there early, expecting it to begin at dark. What we forgot about was that "Dark" is 9pm here. It was dark(ish) all day today due to the bad weather. We got to the parking lot around 8:15 and stood around until 9 for the light show.

It was worth every minute of standing around to watch them light up Crazy Horse and then start a laser light show. Steve and I plan on going back to the monument some time next week to see the museum and then watch the light show from inside the grounds. From what we could see from the distance, the show was awesome and awe inspiring. After we attend the show, I will provide more information about the Crazy Horse Monument for those that may be interested.

Hopefully the weather will be more cooperative for all the surrounding areas tomorrow and we will be busier than one-armed paper hangers. Nite all, it is time for me to catch some much needed shut-eye.

One brief note on my ongoing Weight Loss

So far this week, I have not gained, nor have I lost weight. I would like to report that I have lost another half an inch around my waist. I have only one more hole in my belt before I run out of notches. I have been very good about taking the Accelerate daily (one tablet) and pretty darn good about taking the Flush (one tablet at night - missed taking that only one night). I keep forgetting to use the Cheat (since I don't carry it all the time) and I have been taking the Lean as a replacement for breakfast.

Not too bad considering how long it took for me to put this weight on. I am still very pleased with my results, I would rather lose the weight slowly so I know it will stay off. I am really enjoying getting that belt smaller and smaller. I can't wait to finally get back to my version of an ideal weight, I really want a new belt...

If you are curious about what I am taking and how to get involved, go to http://www.hawgwash.irepcni.com/ for more information. If you want to get the products I have been blogging about, you will need to click on the "Sign up for free" button in the upper right hand corner of that page and get at least the Basic Pack. When you sign up, you can create your own website name (at no cost to you) and then you can wander around another section of the CNI website. The Basic Pack will give you a 14 day supply of all 4 products CNI makes. The best part about this program is that it has a 90-day money back guarantee. Not many companies are that confident about their products that they would offer such a deal.

After you purchase at least the Basic Pack you can the go back into your personal website (that you created when you signed up for free) and order individual products. You are not required to continue to purchase products in the kit format. Purchase only what you want or need.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. You can leave a comment here, or tweet me at www.twitter.com/hawgwash, or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/HawgwashLLC

Black Hills Rally Day 5

I had planned on posting pictures of the current Black Hills Rally today, but discovered I forgot my camera in the trailer. You will all have to wait until tomorrow to see what the streets of Custer look like filled with motorcycles.


I wanted to let everyone know that Steve is now suffering because he can't play with the 1968 Camero he had to clean for 2 days. The running joke was that if they left the car with him much longer, he would have rubbed the paint off. That was a beautiful car, but the owner did want it back so he could enjoy it. Now Steve plans on purchasing one of his own...as soon as possible. I am looking forward to seeing how he plans on taking it back since we currently have two motorcycles in a trailer pulled with a motor home.... I am sure, with enough incentive, he would find some way to get the Camero home...that is to say, if he could find one.


You will notice there was no post yesterday and there is a very good reason for it. No, not because I was tired (I was) but there was a bad thunderstorm and I am kind of a freak when it comes to plugging in a computer during a large electrical storm. I do have surge protectors between the laptops and the electrical source (we need a surge protector from the main electric source to the motor home, but that is another story...) but I just didn't want to push our luck. In my imagination, I pictured a bolt of lightning hitting the power box and coursing through the motor home and then blowing the surge protector on it's way to blow up the laptop. I know more things would have to go wrong before that happens, but like I said, I am a bit of a freak when it comes to electricity and laptops. So, the good news is that I got to go to bed relatively early, but I go no blogging done.


We have had some really cool (depending on who you talk to) storms roll through Custer these last few days. This evening it looked like we were going to get pounded again, so we closed up shop early only to discover the storm parted around Custer. For the last two evenings, the winds were so strong that they almost blew our tents away. The rain came down in VERY cold sheets (I know, I was out in it getting pounded and freezing) and blew sideways on several occasions. The lightning was a sight to see and the thunder shook the buildings. This is the kind of rain that when you step outside you become instantly soaked.


Since we had been getting soaked for the last 2 days while we were trying to button down our various tents, we really didn't want to get soaked again today so we closed up early. Now we look like wimps since it only sprinkled and nothing else happened. Oh well, stuff happens.


Today was supposed to be a slow day in Custer because the town of Hulett in Wyoming was to have an "anything" goes day for bikers. Hulett is a very small town and is a great stopping off point for riders going from Sturgis, SD to Devils' Tower, WY. On the Wednesday of Bike Week each year, Hulett has the free Hulett Ham 'n' Jam in it's 21st year. This small Wyoming town has a year round population of 410 and is transformed into a hot spot for motorcyclists. It is the place to be on Wednesday of Sturgis Bike Week.

Despite all of that great activity going on in Hulett, we were pretty busy talking with people in Custer. The riding weather is awesome and so far the rain is coming after dark. Rain after dark is not an issue since you really don't want to be riding around Custer after dark because of all the wildlife. There is so much wildlife in the area that in the evening, you can walk from our booth to the campground 2 blocks away and find deer grazing in an open field.

Well, that is all I am going to write tonight regarding the Black Hills Rally. We didn't get to detail the 1966 Corvette because of a minor mishap it had...something like some elements of the electrical system burning up... Luckily it does not sound like there was significant damage to the car. Hopefully they can get the car repaired before the end of Bike Week so we can detail it and then post pictures. We will keep you all posted. Until next time...

Day 3 of Sturgis Bike Week

Today was another great day in Custer, SD. The weather was good...well...except for that brief rain that only served to get everything damp...but good anyway... We had more people visiting our booth and we were able to talk to a large number of people.

We also had the opportunity to detail a 1968 Camero SS. I have attached pictures. Now you are going to laugh at my limited car knowledge, but this car has matching serial numbers, paperwork to go along with it, rally tires and factory installed air. It caused quite a stir around the booth. The only problem was that as the car was being detailed, the people watching were not as interested in the products being used, but more interested in the car itself.

We used UltraLuster Clabar on the paint to remove the impurities embedded in the paint, UltraLuster Metal polish to polish the aluminum trim, UltraLuster Tire Treatment to condition the tires and the vinyl top and of course, our main product, UltraLuster Waterless Wash for all the paint and to seal the aluminum after cleaning with the Metal Polish.

The paint on this car is now probably smoother than when it came out of the factory. The car sparkles like a diamond in the sun now. It is a wonderful sight to behold. Unfortunately a big wind came through the hills this evening and then it rained quite a bit so we will have to touch-up the car again tomorrow. The owner of the car is very pleased with the current results. We are looking forward to putting the finishing touches on the car tomorrow so that it will be ready for it's next car show (in a few weeks, I believe).

If you are interested in obtaining more information on what we did to the car, please leave a comment. If you want more information on our UltraLuster product line, you have two places that you can visit: www.ultraluster.com/hawg1 or our website (http://www.hawgwash.biz/) and then choose the order UltraLuster Items button on the left.

We are looking forward to more fun as the week progresses.

Day 2 of the Black Hills Rally

Hi everyone. This is going to be a relatively short post (I always think so, but end up with more to say than I originally expect). This morning of the rally started off slow, but definitely picked up steam around noon. The sun was out and the temperatures had to have gotten to mid- to upper 80's. The air was cool, which is what makes it so great to ride. We saw many riders with leathers on, but once they stopped and enjoyed the sun, the leathers came off.

Again, I can't stress enough how much fun the people are during rally week. The local merchants seem pleased to see the bikers (for some rallies, the merchants are not always thrilled to see us), the vendors are positive, and the local residents have been out to visit all the booths that are set up. It looks like the whole town is out to see the riders.

I did get a kick out of seeing the Flintstones' cars driving up and down the street today. I discovered that there is an attraction here called "Flintstones Bedrock City Park". They have a few vehicles that are made to represent the vehicles you used to see in the Flintstone's cartoons. At first I thought there was a mobile peanut driving up and down Main Street, but later realized it was a representation of a large log that was pointy at both ends. I did see the Flintmobile, which you used to watch Fred drive in the cartoon. I guess the other vehicle was the one that Barnie drove, but I am not sure on that.

As you drive past Bedrock City, you see a big replica of Dino (I think that is who it is...my cartoon trivia is lacking...). This park was established in 1966 and is over 40 years old. It is advertised as an amusement park and campground for all ages. Since I am not particularly a cartoon buff (if you haven't guessed that yet), this is probably a site I won't see this year. That is not to say I won't go, just not with the limited time we have this year.

If you have the opportunity to drive through Custer during Bike Week, you may also see "General Custer" waving at you. Several of the local citizens and Council members dress in period costumes to help bring the old Custer to life. You may find General Custer wandering the streets greeting people also.

We hope that the rally attendance gets bigger here as the week progresses. It is great to hear the thunder of motorcycles up and down the main street, and a lot of fun to see bikers wandering around a small western town. The more crowds there are, the more opportunity we will have to people watch, and the more I can talk to you about.

I will update everyone on my weight loss progress tomorrow (I know, I said I would do it today, but I forgot to step on the scale again this morning...). I will be giving weekly or bi-weekly updates on my weight loss since it has now started slowing down. As I mentioned in an earlier blog, I truly believe that a slow weight loss is better for the body and that once the weight comes off, it will tend to stay off. I don't want to be writing daily on weight loss that may be from 1-3 pounds a week, that would bore almost anyone to tears...

Take care and I will talk more tomorrow. If anyone is interested in what I am using for my weight loss (I haven't changed my eating habits one iota, but the weight is still coming off) you can get the information at http://www.hawgwash.irepcni.com/.

(And I thought I didn't have anything to write about tonight.....HA)

69th Annual Black Hills Rally

I wanted to update everyone on what is going on ...other than the weight loss (I will not update you on my current weight loss until tomorrow...). We are currently participating in the Black Hills Motorcycle Rally. We are in Custer, SD, not Sturgis and I am really pleased we are in Custer. The people here are awesome and the weather has been fantastic.

Custer is about 75 miles south of Sturgis, SD and is against Custer State Park. The town of Custer has been considered the oldest established town of the Black Hills of South Dakota. It is the site of one of the major encampments of the 1874 Black Hills Expedition of George Armstrong Custer's 7th Cavalry and the location of the first public discovery of gold. The town may have grown up in the 21st Century, but it still has the feel of a small, western town. People that live here are very personable and appear to be willing to help one another. We are currently staying at French Creek RV Park within the city limits and are having a ball.

The manager of French Creek RV Park is "Rock" and is very involved in all that goes on not only in the park but in the town of Custer. If you need to know something, or need help with anything, he is the go-to guy.

Custer puts on an event called Custer Cruisin' which coincides with the Black Hills Rally (most people know it as "STURGIS" or "Sturgis Bike Week"). Custer has vendors (like us) along 6th Street (they acutally close the street down and have vendors and foot traffic only) and sections out 2 of the 4 lanes along the main drag (Rushmore Rd / 16A) to create motorcycle parking. It is really neat to see blocks and blocks of motorcycles parked in the middle of the street during the day. The parking allows bikers to conveniently visit all of the local businesses (and the vendors) during Custer Cruisin' (and Sturgis Bike Week). The town of Custer is within easy riding distance of the Crazy Horse Memorial, Custer State Park, Mount Rushmore, Keystone, Hill City, Rushmore Caves, and more sites that I can't even begin to name.

I realize this sounds like a travel log, but Custer is definitely a place to go see and spend some time at. We have been here visiting over the years, but now that we have spent more than a half a day here, it is amazing to discover how much there is to do around here. We will be staying a few days after the rally so that we can enjoy the local sights too.

The official rally (Sturgis) has started and we are looking forward to seeing more bikers ride here and stop to visit. Things should start hopping in the next day or so. The town is geared up and has it's best party dress on for the riders. Custer has had a lot of rain this year, so the drought conditions that had plagued this town for the last several years is not an issue. Everything is green and ready for bikers to enjoy. Lets let the fun begin....