09-02/04-2006 Thunder In the Rockies

This has got to be one of the more interesting rallies we've been to. The weather Friday was chilly with some wind and a few splatters once we got to Loveland. We stopped at Thunder Mountain first thing. Everything was set up for a big wing-ding and the bikers were just beginning to show up.
As far as a group was concerened we were all split up. Most had planned on arriving some time Saturday or Friday.

On Saturday we arrived in the morning at thunder Mountain to meet the group that was coming up in the morning. I'd have to admit the ride was chilly for August. We managed to spend most of the day at the rally. Upon our arrival at the Porter House in Windsor, this is a great little Bed and Breakfast, I would highly recommend it. We ran across an older lady who had just checked in. The events that surrounded her that evening and the following Sunday morning were something else. I am attaching the letter she wrote to the local paper regarding her stay.

BIKER HOSPITALITY by Elvina Fritzler Simansky, class of 1948


An all school reunion was to be held over Labor Day at Windsor, Colorado, 2006.

Staying at the Porter House, a lovely bed and breakfast Inn, was for me to be the perfect place to stay as I had envisioned meeting other alums coming from various cities to attend the reunion. I had hoped to renew old friendships and make new ones. This place is charming and a perfect setting to renew old and new friends.

I checked in and asked if other alums would be staying there. ‘‘No‘‘, was the reply, ‘the Inn is occupied with Bikers‘. There were to be 70,000 bikers in the area attending the Thunder in the Rockies activities at the Budweiser conference center. Some, of course would overnight at Windsor, others in Loveland or Ft. Collins.. My first thought was, “ I will get no sleep tonight” and expressed that to the owner of the Bed and Breakfast.

Approaching me as I left the Inn, was a biker and his wife, bandana around the forehead, leather jacket, face tanned, worn from traveling. They were so friendly and just thought it fun to tease me. I only said, “please let me sleep tonight“. They invited me to their party. I thought, “This will be a wild night”.. You see, my first impression was “bikers are rough, use profanity fluently, course, and inconsiderate., loud, noisy. Some even scary.!

WRONG, WRONG, WRONG.

After dinner that evening and returning to the Inn, I opened the door only to hear the party ongoing.. Immediately, I was invited to join them. One gentleman found a chair for me, another offered me a drink, wives were friendly and the fun began. Laughter became contagious. Because I was accepted and the teasing of me taken jokingly, I was able to respond quickly with one liners one after another. They thought I was o.k. Not knowing my name, they secretly later called me “Maggie”

I teased in return, flirted and yes, old enough to, be their mother, I still fit in. . Pictures were taken of me with the gentlemen, (not roughnecks_), lessons were taught that not all bikers were jerks, and when showered and shaved, looked very handsome. Wives were so friendly and included in the next picture.

I said Goodnight, went upstairs, grabbed my camera and returned. You should see the pictures. Yes, me with all the men…..

They all decided to take me for a ride on the bike the next day. Escorting me to the reunion with me on a bike was quickly organized and the cell phones were used for other bikers to follow in the parade.

A gourmet breakfast was served at 8 a.m. Approaching the dining room, I noticed all were showered, shaved and quite good looking. They cleaned up well. We had a lovely serious talk and became good friends. After breakfast, a leather jacket was given me, with goggles to wear, and I was on a shiny, yellow, polished, bike. My ride took me up and down the streets of this small town from which I was from and attended grade, junior high and high school. My perfectly combed hair blew in the breeze and I felt young again.

These young men were all executives of their firms, successful businessmen, teachers. I was a retired high school teacher-coordinator. I have found a different view of bikers and a different appreciation of people from all walks of life. We will now e-mail to each other and exchange pictures. They are welcome in my home anytime. I need the laugher.

I overhead them say that I was a true lady and young enough to enjoy fun.
They were in their early forties and I in my mid seventy. True hospitality and acceptance of each other felt good. This reunion will be a memorable one.

The weather was bad enough Sunday and Monday that we decided not to venture up into the mountains. We took a ride into Olde Town Ft Collins and back to the rally. Overall this was a very laid back trip. We had planned on not pushing things this go round and that is just what happened. We love the venue here and are planning on going back.

GRIZ

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