#Arkansas biker

[insanethrottlebikernews]

Arkansas biker engulfed in flames after being tased

Arkansas biker engulfed in flames after being tased

SUBSCRIBE NOW TO THE YOUTUBE CHANNEL AND NEVER MISS OUT An Arkansas man is in the hospital – but expected to recover – after he was engulfed by a fireball when he was tased by state police while wearing a backpack with a gallon of gasoline inside, according to a news release from Arkansas State Police. Around 1:18 a.m. on October 13, an Arkansas state trooper tried to stop a motorcycle in…

[anim-ttrpgs]

A.N.I.M. Adventure Art: The Seedtown Party

Meet the Seedtown Party. This is a cast of investigator PCs from one of the earliest test runs for Eureka: Investigative Urban Fantasy, back in late 2021. It didn’t even have any sort of combat system when this campaign started, that was written hastily somewhere in the middle of the campaign, somewhere around February 2022.

This campaign is maybe the longest we’ve ever done with Eureka, lasting 6 months with a session nearly every week, and it was amazing.

Four investigators find themselves one way or another in a small town in the mountains of Arkansas, coming together by chance due to shared interest in a series of seemingly related missing persons cases.

It pains me greatly that I cannot remember exactly what was said, but the way that this group of characters came together and agree to work with each other to locate these missing persons in the first session was the single most natural and organic way I’ve ever seen a TTRPG party form.

Eunica, an actual professional private investigator from the big city, here on a personal mission, as one of the missing people is her own nephew.

Joseph, an extremely friendly local bartender who has been manning his brother’s establishment since his brother’s death more than ten years ago.

Sarah, a moviestar who sought to disappear from the spotlight and run away to a quieter life, only to find that some of the missing persons posters feature *her* face, and did before she even arrived.

And finally Alice (pronounced in the French way, sounds more like “Elise”), a cheerful and energetic young Cajun-French biker claiming to be a friend of one of the missing people. She was definitely the youngest of the party, appearing to be in her early twenties, with the next youngest investigator being Eunica in her late thirties. Alice had the rest of the party in love with her sweetness, energy, and optimistic attitude, as well as many weird but endearing quirks like how sarcasm and jokes always flew right over her head, her insistance that her food never have any spices whatsoever, and the fact she wore the same part of sunglasses day and night. In fact, they never actually even saw her sleep, she was always awake when they went to bed and always awake in the morning when they woke up. Alice was “the baby of the group”, and all of the older investigators went out of their way to protect her and curb her bold and reckless actions, despite her insistence that they didn’t need to.

Art by @theblackwarden

This art has been posted here with permission as part of A.N.I.M.’s Adventure Art initiative in our TTRPG book club.

All of these characters are PCs from Eureka: Investigative Urban Fantasy by A.N.I.M.

If you’d like to join the A.N.I.M. TTRPG Book Club, you can find the discord invite on our website.

If your art fits he parameters outlined on this post, and you’d like it featured here, tag us or post it in the book club’s Adventure Art channel on discord.

If you’d like to support us and get a prerelease copy of Eureka: Investigative Urban Fantasy, check out our Patreon! Our Kickstarter is planned for launch in April 2024!

This group of investigators followed what clues they could through local urban legends, organized crime, police corruption, and finally occult ritual among the state’s wealthy elite in a remote manor in the mountains, ending in a high-stakes shootout as the gang attempted to flee the premises after disrupting a plot that could’ve brought the world as we know it to its knees, and then a confrontation with the source of the aforementioned urban legends. For the most part, the investigators got out unscathed, except for Alice, who caught three bullets during the shootout, way more than enough to kill an investigator, or most any character, in Eureka. She also did most of the killing in this shootout.

Alice near flat-out refused medical attention, instead sneaking away as soon as the others’ backs were turned, leaving a farewell message at the bar before getting on her bike, and riding away. There was no way to track her or find out where she went, who she was, or if she was even still alive. They never even learned her last name.

Not only was this a test run of Eureka in general, but also the origin of its unique approach to supernatural characters, wherein not even other players sitting around the table know which members of the party are supernatural or not. With exceptions that I’ll get to in a moment, none of the IRL people playing this game except the Game Master knew that there would be any supernatural element to this mystery, let alone within the very investigative party itself. Nearly all of the players were relative strangers to each other before the group was brought together for session 0, not knowing each others’ interests or original characters, so there was little chance of guessing anything was amiss before the session even began.

Eunica shocked everyone about a two-thirds into the investigation, after the involvement of occult ritual started to become apparent, by revealing that she was no ordinary private detective, but really one of a more magical variety, capable of more than a little magic herself, and the person you’d go to if you needed someone to, say, hunt and slay a vampire. This took some time to process for everyone and Alice had what seemed like a hundred rapid-fire questions about the truth or the supernatural.

Alice, on the other hand, didn’t shock anyone, no one suspected a thing. No one, not PCs nor Players, ever guessed that sweet “Alice”, “the baby of the group”, was actually the oldest of them all, an 800-year-old vampire named Yvette Preux. The other players didn’t find this out until a month after the campaign ended. In between regular sessions, secret one-on-one sessions between GM and player were being run while the rest of the party slept, wherein “Alice” did some investigating, and other things like drinking blood, on her own during the night, the findings from which she would sprinkle in casually during discussions of the case the next morning, subtly enough that no one ever asked where she got this information or why she was so sure of it. On a few occasions she even did a lot more than investigating during these nights, like when a crime boss, who had told the investigators that he would have them disappeared if he saw them in town again, mysteriously turned up dead the next day, never seeing any of them again. What a lucky coincidence for everyone else.

Alice actually clocked Eunica as some kind of vampire hunter or the like right away, on the very first day they met, which didn’t really concern her at all. If so-called vampire hunters were any good at their “job”, she wouldn’t be around to laugh about it, would she?

Really, in hindsight, she could hardly have been more obviously a vampire—the sunglasses at all hours; avoidance of garlic, onions, and any other spices on food; hoe she never seemed to sleep; how she always seemed to have something in front of her mouth when she talked; her avoidance of mirrors; taking risks like she was invincible; and always running ahead every time the party was about to enter a private domicile so that she could directly ask to come inside. She even at one point when the party needed to disguise themselves as occultists, revealed that she just *already had* a fine hooded cloak with black on the outside and bright red on the inside in her luggage. That was all pretty weird, but it turns out, when nobody tells you to look for vampires, they actually become extremely hard to stop! This isn’t even a massive failing on Eunica’s part, if it weren’t near impossible to identify them, vampires wouldn’t be considered just a silly superstition in the modern age.

In truth, “Alice” reveled in just being herself right under a wannabe vampire-hunter’s nose, feigning shock when Eunica revealed this, and going out of her way to ask as many questions as she could about real vampires and what they’re like.

This is the ultimate Eureka experience, what starts as a mundane investigation spiraling into sprawling madness, and if what the people you thought you knew could reveal about themselves will shock you to your core, imagine what they keep to themselves. They might not even be playing by the same rules as you, it’s always who you least expect.

[insomniac-jay]

Dayna/Accelerate Lore Dump

Her full name is Dayna Ava East-Summers

She's from Baltimore, Maryland so you know she has the accent and speaks in long "O"s

Works as a car mechanic at a local auto shop. In her early days (Accelerate: Year One), she did freelance and some pro bono work. Sometimes she comes to Will's school and teaches the kids about what to do when their car breaks down

Became Accelerate after lightning struck her car engine during a repair, did some superpowered fuckery, and somehow went inside of her

Justine, Dayna's mother, was the leader of the female biker gang Black Dahlias. The members were and still are Dayna's aunties

Dayna's parents moved to Arkansas to have a better life and raise Dayna in a safer environment. They moved into the same neighborhood as her future husband, Will Summers

From a young age, Dayna has always been fascinated by cars and how they work to the point where her favorite hobby was going to the local junkyard and finding an old car engine to take apart

Married Will at 25

Dayna's main rogue is Lana Sloan, Silver Skater

Best way I can describe their relationship is if Captain Cold and Flash were both women but with less alcohol and more bloodshed and hatred

[prettyblondguys]

I love lying on social media. I've bedded one hundred sailors. I spent a year backpacking the Arkansas forests documenting the steady rise in black bears. My uncle was in a movie with John Wayne. My great grandma could predict the future by looking at saplings. I was once kicked out of a biker gang for being too edgy. I'm the fucking Lizard King.

[escapingthereality]

1. Are you named after anyone?

Not named after anyone, but my first name (not my tumblr name) is named after the church and spring where my parents got married😊

2. When was the last time you cried?

This morning. Recently a good friend got in a huge wreck and will probably be dying in the next few days. It’s been a hard few days, but I think we got some good news today? I’m not sure but it’s terrifying and I’ve cried a lot in the last few days.

3. Do you have kids?

HELL NAH OH MY GOD literally too young

4. Do you use sarcasm a lot?

Yess I’m such a bitch about it too honestly sometimes I’m sorry for the people around hahaha

5. What's the first thing you notice about people?

Styleee and like hair I love doing and like dyeing peoples hair so yeah that’s always fun. Also I love clothes, and I’m wanting to try to start sewing my own clothes.

6. What’s you eye color?

So sorry y’all I have the ugliest ass eyes like swamp green-brown

7. Scary movies or happy endings?

HAPPY ENDINGS im so sorry I like writing the scariest most fucked shit but I cry so hard whenever reading or watching anything scary or sad

8. Any special talents?

Umm I’m pretty good at mountain biking and that’s about it

9. Where were you born?

Arkansas YAS the south ig :( actually nah it’s a beautiful state and I actually live in a pretty liberal part

10. What are your hobbies?

Umm biking, jewelry making and baking

11. Pets?

I have 2 silly little dogs named Pepper and Percy, and and a cat named Jazz

12. Do you play sports?

I’m a super active person but personally kind hate traditional sports but I love mountain biking and rock climbing. I’ll play soccer and basketball with my friends, but I’ve never played on like a team

13. How tall are you?

IM LITERALLY LIKE 5’1 AND I WILL ALWAYS CRY ABOUT IT

14. What’s your favorite subject in school?

love me some chemistry and maths

15. Dream job?

I’m thinking of going into microbiology, but honestly my dream job would to be a sponsored mountain biker or a sponsored rock climber

ummm tagging some people from my notes:

@cursedfoxteeth @romanticvampire @avery-is-gay @nikialexx @topsyturvy-turtely @arakhnee

[artcalledtattoo]

WhereIB2 Land in Darmstadt Germany Munich for Oktoberfest Yea sucker's Graffenweir, Wurzburg, Heidelberg , Mannheim, Wiesbaden, Hanau, a lunch in Schweinfurt, Koln, Rein Mein River boating on a couple romantic float even the KTown Lest never forget Amsterdam In there somewhere bicycles everywhere Tripping M M canceled the show but graced with Soulfly Why hair colored kool aid? Machines and parts in Alabama Eureka Springs to Elvis’ backyard Back to U.S. leave, Owensboro the deep depp beauty land Kentucky To the grand American mountains of Colorado Fort Carson Trips to California, Pinion Canyon sitting on a rock in nowhere Outings to the field of surrounding areas North west to Oregon saw the steps of The Postman had bite in Portland Austin TX Ink to skin while on tour Hotel behind Colorado Music Hall Albuquerque, New Mexico My work zero flaws on percussion flaw Rocky Mountain Thunder Rally Slippin’ ink in skin leather clad biker babes But I was tattoo working Back to end of trails Oklahoma Back to Phoenix for a wedding Fort Worth TX museums Houston Texas for a time, zoo & butterflies, drive in for HungerGames and grand Egyptian artifacts the lovely interstates that take all day, jelly fish stings in Galveston throwing rings for grand sized teddy bears San Antonio Alamo SeaWorld and River walk NASA Aquarium extravagant parties with oil money Woodlands mall & concerts Table Rock Missouri Some cool caves in Arkansas New Years New Orleans & visit The latter the better with alligator Back to FortWorth for some master Caravaggio Tool & Cooper Restaurant A one night Phoenix trip for birthday Even back to Colorado to Crescent Butte Pikes Peak uno hike at one time Up and down a mountain Lightning crashing down Driving through the Smokey Mountains to North Carolina for a visit but with Washington D.C. again, an ultimate must Even a walk around the White House grounds when headed back a must At Lorraine Motel just for deepening further understandings Still here in Oklahoma Watching happenings commence Just places of some,more with people on a later

[fishingcatz]

IMVU mom and her extremely small clone daughter

VS

56 year old couple from Arkansas who roleplay as bikers in Second Life

[cohenskicksposts]

Check out this listing I just added to my Poshmark closet: Harley Davidson Womens Motorcycle Grey V-Neck Size XXL USA 50/50Rogers Arkansas.

[lodgeinsalida]

Why Salida Mountain Trails Hostel Should Be Your Adventure Destination

Nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, Salida Mountain Trails Hostel offers more than just a place to rest your head—it provides an unparalleled gateway to outdoor adventure. Whether you're an avid hiker, mountain biker, or simply someone seeking the tranquility of nature, this hostel promises an unforgettable experience.

A Gateway to Adventure

Salida, Colorado, known for its picturesque landscapes and vibrant outdoor scene, serves as the perfect backdrop for your next escapade. The hostel's strategic location grants easy access to an extensive network of trails that cater to all skill levels. From leisurely walks along the Arkansas River to adrenaline-pumping mountain biking trails in the nearby Monarch Crest, there's something for everyone.

Comfort Meets Affordability

One of the standout features of Salida Mountain Trails Hostel is its commitment to providing comfort at an affordable price. The highlight? The Bunk Bed Dorm Room Salida, where adventurers can unwind after a day of exploration. Each bunk is designed with comfort in mind, ensuring a good night's sleep so you can wake up refreshed and ready to tackle the next adventure.

Community and Camaraderie

What truly sets this hostel apart is its sense of community. The shared spaces foster camaraderie among travelers from around the world. Imagine swapping stories with fellow adventurers around a crackling fire pit or bonding over a hearty meal in the communal kitchen. These shared experiences often lead to lifelong friendships and a deeper appreciation for the outdoors.

Local Flavor and Culture

Beyond its natural beauty, Salida boasts a rich cultural tapestry waiting to be explored. Take a stroll through downtown Salida to discover eclectic art galleries, cozy cafes, and local breweries. Immerse yourself in the town's vibrant arts scene, with events ranging from live music performances to gallery walks showcasing local talent.

Environmental Stewardship

Salida Mountain Trails Hostel is committed to sustainable practices aimed at preserving the pristine wilderness that surrounds it. From energy-efficient operations to waste reduction initiatives, every effort is made to minimize the hostel's environmental footprint. Guests are encouraged to participate in eco-friendly practices, ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy the beauty of the Rocky Mountains.

Planning Your Visit

Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or a longer expedition, Salida Mountain Trails Hostel offers a range of accommodation options to suit every traveler's needs. From private rooms for those seeking solitude to the vibrant atmosphere of the Bunk Bed Dorm Room Salida, there's a space for everyone.

Conclusion

Salida Mountain Trails Hostel isn't just a place to stay—it's a gateway to adventure, a hub of community, and a testament to sustainable living. Whether you're drawn by the promise of pristine trails, the allure of local culture, or simply the opportunity to forge new friendships, this hostel promises an experience that will stay with you long after you've returned home

[dkaufmandevelopment]

Discover the U.S. cities offering ample jobs, affordable living, and scenic surroundings.

Step into the spotlight of America's urban stage, where cities are not just living spaces but canvases of opportunity, affordability, and natural splendor. As the economic waves rise, Americans are setting sail to find the shores where their financial vessels can weather the storm and still cruise towards the good life.

In the quest to outpace the sprint of costs and the marathon of inflation, we embarked on a voyage to discover the most budget-friendly metropolises for the diligent worker and the tranquil retiree. Our journey took us through the urban tapestry of 113 cities, each evaluated on a rich palette of criteria. We also tapped into the collective pulse of 1,000 Americans, exploring their urban desires and the qualities they seek in a place to plant roots.

The Affordability Atlas for the Working Adventurer

Our odyssey to pinpoint the sanctuaries of savings for those in the prime of their careers led us to analyze housing affordability, median income, cost of living, and employment vitality across 113 cities. We charted a course through the data and emerged with a treasure map of cities, ranked from the most budget-friendly to those that demand a king's ransom. At the helm was Sioux Falls, SD, a city that straddles the Big Sioux River and is crowned by the majestic Falls Park. It's a metropolis with the soul of a village, where attractions like a zoo and aquarium are mere preludes to its network of trails that beckon hikers, bikers, and walkers alike.

Springfield, IL, took the silver, a city where history whispers from every corner, from the home of Abraham Lincoln to the myriad of museums and memorials. It's a hop away from the heartbeat of St. Louis, MO, making it a sanctuary of affordability.

Wichita, KS, claimed the bronze, a family paradise with a constellation of museums and parks. The landscape may be a canvas of flatness, but the Big and Little Arkansas Rivers paint it with strokes of natural allure.

The top 10 also welcomed Virginia Beach, VA; Des Moines, IA; and Oklahoma City, OK, with Nebraska proudly placing Lincoln and Omaha in this league of affordability.

The Urban Dreamscapes of the Working Heart

Affordability might be the compass, but it's not the only star guiding the working souls in their search for a home. We delved into the minds of 800 working adults to uncover their urban yearnings. The cost of living (55%) stood as the beacon in their decision-making, followed by the warmth of family (30%), the shield of safety (28%), and the promise of employment (27%).

Yet, when it comes to urban fantasies, Denver (17%) soared as the most coveted, trailed by the coastal charm of San Diego (16%) and the pulsating rhythm of New York City (15%). Despite Denver's robust job market and income, its affordability took a hit due to living costs and housing prices.

[cityseeker789]

Visit Red Cliff, Colorado: Your Gateway to Adventure

Nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, Red Cliff, CO, United States is a hidden gem that beckons adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts alike. This quaint town, with its rich history and stunning natural beauty, offers a unique blend of outdoor activities and cultural experiences. Let's embark on a journey to discover the attractions nearby and the exciting Red Cliff, CO, United States tours that make this destination a must-visit for those in search of thrills and relaxation.

Attractions Nearby:

One of the key attractions in Red Cliff is the iconic Shrine Pass Road, providing breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. This picturesque route is a favorite among hikers, bikers, and nature lovers. The trail is adorned with vibrant wildflowers during the warmer months, creating a stunning contrast against the rugged mountain landscape.

For those seeking a historical touch, the Red Cliff Bridge stands as a testament to the town's mining heritage. The bridge, constructed in the early 1940s, not only serves as a vital transportation link but also offers a glimpse into the town's past. Walking across the bridge, visitors can almost hear the echoes of the bustling mining activity that once defined Red Cliff.

If you're up for an outdoor adventure, the nearby Holy Cross Wilderness Area is a playground for backpackers and avid hikers. With its extensive network of trails, the wilderness area allows you to immerse yourself in the tranquility of nature. Keep an eye out for the diverse flora and fauna that call this region home.

Red Cliff, CO, United States Tours:

To make the most of your visit, consider joining one of the Red Cliff, CO, United States tours that cater to various interests. Whether you're an adrenaline junkie or a history buff, there's something for everyone.

For the thrill-seekers, guided ATV tours through the rugged terrain offer an exhilarating experience. Traverse off-road paths and witness panoramic views that are otherwise inaccessible. These tours are led by knowledgeable guides who share insights about the area's geography and history, ensuring an educational and exciting journey.

If water activities are more your speed, river rafting tours on the nearby Arkansas River provide an adrenaline-pumping adventure. Navigate through exhilarating rapids surrounded by stunning canyon scenery. These tours are suitable for both beginners and experienced rafters, promising an unforgettable aquatic escapade.

For a more leisurely exploration, consider a walking tour of Red Cliff itself. Learn about the town's rich history, including its mining roots and the tales of the hearty pioneers who once called this place home. Stroll through the charming streets, lined with well-preserved historic buildings, and feel the authenticity of a bygone era.

After a day of exploration, unwind in one of the local eateries that offer a taste of regional cuisine. From cozy cafes to rustic diners, Red Cliff invites you to savor delicious meals while soaking in the small-town charm.

Red Cliff, CO, United States is a destination that seamlessly blends adventure and history. With its captivating attractions nearby and an array of tours, this mountain town promises an unforgettable experience for all who venture into its embrace. So, gear up and get ready to discover the allure of Red Cliff – where every path leads to a new adventure.

Author Name Wcities Admin

[thebikerbookforcharity]

#tbt …all the way back to Tuesday!😂

Just so excited about The Biker Book for Charity making its 14th donation to a children’s hospital, on behalf of the charitable heart of the motorcycle community!❤️

Recipient is St. Louis Children’s Hospital, St. Louis, MO.

This donation marks The Biker Book for Charity’s first donation made since it was accepted as a partner of 501(c)(3) MOTOvational Inc. / Why We Ride

Listed below is the full list of all children’s hospital recipients to date:

1) CHOC Children's - Orange, CA

2) Sanford Children's - Sioux Falls, SD

3) Arkansas Children's Northwest - Springdale, AR

4) Wolfson Children's - Jacksonville, FL

5) Children's Hospital Los Angeles - Los Angeles, CA

6) St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (affiliate) - Shreveport, LA

7) Dell Children's Medical Center - Austin, TX

8 ) USA Health Children's & Women's Hospital - Mobile, AL

9) Loma Linda Children's - Loma Linda, CA

10) Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt - Nashville, TN

11) Phoenix Children's - Phoenix, AZ

12) Children's Hospital of Georgia - Augusta, GA

13) UMC Children's - Las Vegas, NV

14) St. Louis Children’s Hospital - St. Louis, MO

Each children’s hospitals has received a $1,000 donation.

These donations are made possible from your book purchases and monetary donations. 💯 of proceeds donated.

Please hit the book’s website for the links to purchase books and/or make 501(c)(3) donations:

www.thebikerbookforcharity.com

Many thanks to everyone for helping children’s hospitals via The Biker Book for Charity.

The work continues….

Generosity of Spirit at work.❤️

#motorcycle #book #charity #fundraiser #childrenshospitals #sickkids #children

#motorcycles #aprilia #bmwmotorrad #ducati #harleydavidson #hondamotorcycles #indianmotorcycle #kawasaki #suzuki #yamaha

#thebikerbookforcharity

[joyffree]

Property of Azrael: Bastard Boilers MC by Avelyn Paige

Hallie Palmer was over the moon when was invited to sign books at the Motorcycles, Mobsters, and Mayhem event in Texas. A weekend away, showing off her books and hanging out with readers, models, and other authors. Best weekend ever, right? Then her klunker of a car dies on the side of the road in rural Arkansas. With no phone signal, her weekend plans are looking bleak until, just like in one of her own books, a group of hot guys on Harleys show up to help.

Azrael Huxton and his club, the Bastard Boilers MC, just wanted a long weekend away in Mexico. A couple of days with a beach, drinks, and beautiful women. Their plans go awry when they spot a damsel in distress. Dropping her off at her destination, he’s shocked to find an event filled with books about his own lifestyle, and Hallie writes them too. Curious to see what the hype is all about, he offers Hallie a deal.

Come with him to Mexico, and experience biker culture first hand. An entire weekend as his ol’ lady. Hallie jumps at the chance.

It’s research for her next book, right? What’s the harm in that?

[kjacksonportfolio]

GREATEST HITS

A group from Manhattan has rocked its way into the Kansas Music Hall of Fame.

Crosswind, a band that was based in Manhattan in the 1970s and 1980s, will be inducted on July 30. The band played to crowds in Manhattan and around the region and still plays reunion shows to people who watched them more than 30 years ago.

“When everybody was going to the glam hair rock, we resisted,” singer Steve Hinrichs said. “It wasn’t who we were and we stayed true to our crowd.”

Tom Wiley, a guitarist for the group, said the late Ron Noe, the original drummer, had asked him in the ‘70s to come to Wamego to see him play and they all started jamming together. Jim Hedman, also a guitarist, said around that time Wiley and original bass player, the late Max Davidson, approached him to see if he would be interested in joining.

“I wasn’t quite used to playing every weekend but I got accustomed to it and we just kept rolling and never looked back,” Hedman said.

Wiley said the group took any opportunity to play and were performing often in any setting they could find.

“We played everything and everywhere we could,” Wiley said.

While glam rock and hair rock dominated the era, Crosswind found a niche playing Southern rock. They traveled the region in the “Big Blue Bus.” Hinrichs, who joined the band in 1981 as the lead singer, said at the time bars in Aggieville were frequented almost exclusively by college students, so Crosswind started playing in other places and found their place playing for others in town.

“They didn’t want the bikers down in Aggieville back then,” Hinrichs said. “They didn’t want the locals down there, it was just college students. They didn’t want the soldiers. So we kind of became the locals’ band. A bar out by the lake called Blue River Pub and whenever we’d play we’d have 1,000 people out there just packed.”

Members said they played almost every weekend for years. They said fans would travel wherever they went to see them play. They would play street dances and local festivals like Lillis, Kansas, Thanksgiving and their own event they called “Independance,” where they would throw up a stage in a field with food and drinks.

“They could literally go anywhere and pull it off,” Dana Brown, a drummer, said. “We showed up out in the middle of a field and probably 3,000 people showed up.”

They opened for multiple other groups including Head East, Black Oak Arkansas and Flash Cadillac.

Brown joined on drums in 1985 after Noe left the group and said he remembered when he realized how lucky he was to be with the group. They were playing the song “Flirting with Disaster,” and Wiley and Hedman began harmonizing with each other on their guitars.

“Tom walks over to Jim and I’m going, ‘Good God, I’m in this band?’” Brown said. “I was just thanking my lucky stars.”

Mike Goodwyn stepped in for Hinrichs on lead vocals in the mid-1980s and said it was a big deal because he was aware of the group and their prominence in the region already. He said all the members, including former members, as well as fans always made him feel welcome.

“They really made us feel we were part of the group,” Goodwyn said. “I was having the time of my life. I was learning every single time we went out to play.”

Hinrichs said the induction means a lot to them as a way to honor the members who have died. Noe, Davidson, and keyboardist Mike McAdams have all passed away.

“It’s nice to be able to recognize them and their families,” Hinrichs said. “It’s important to us they be remembered as some of the founders of what is still going on.”

Crosswind stopped playing together regularly in 1989, but they still play reunion shows. The next is Oct. 15 at RC McGraw’s in Manhattan. Hinrichs said many of the regulars from their shows during their original run still come to shows, even bringing their children and grandchildren. They call their reunion shows “family reunions.”

“The same group of people we saw in the ‘80s, we see them now,” Hinrichs said. “They’re not fans, they’re family.”

Goodwyn started joining the reunion concerts more recently and said he was struck by how the following has continued decades later.

“There were dozens of people I recognized that showed up,” Goodwyn said. “It’s so cool to see so many people still had an interest in it.”

Hedman said in addition to the fans who still turn up, the still play together because they’re all still good friends.

“We run around together when we can, on and off the stage,” Hedman said.

Brown and Goodwyn said if it weren’t for their experience with Crosswind, they likely would not be playing music anymore. Brown said he’s performed with others but nothing has matched up.

“I’ve tried to put bands together, and I was spoiled,” Brown said. “I want this. These guys screwed around and caught lightning in a bottle.”

Published in the Manhattan Mercury July 2, 2022

[whereareroo]

I’M BACK

WF THOUGHTS (3/27/23).

I’ve been on “special assignment” in North Carolina. I hope you didn’t miss me too much.

During my hiatus, I read a book written by a guy who biked across America. The book was about his trip, and how it helped him come to grips with some personal demons. It took the guy 294 pages to tell his story.

The book taught me a new word: “honyock.” (Pronounced: hon-yock.) It’s a derogatory term used to describe an oaf or rube. Originally, the word was apparently used to describe peasant immigrants from central or eastern Europe. The biker heard about honyocks when he was biking through New Mexico. I like new words. I’m going to add honyock to my vocabulary.

I always thought there was a rat-like animal called a bow weevil. I don’t know how or when I heard about this animal. Well, it turns out that I was mistaken. The animal is a “boll weevil.” It’s not rat-like. It’s a small beetle that’s smaller than your smallest fingernail. From the 1920s until the 1980s, when the widespread application of insecticides solved the problem, boll weevils decimated the cotton crop in the American south. The biker learned all about this plague as he biked through Arkansas and Mississippi. I’m glad that I’ve been educated on this issue.

The biker seemed to have a great time in Mississippi. He stopped at a tiny convenience store, and the shopkeeper asked where he was going. The biker explained his full trip, and said that his final destination was Tybee Island off the coast of Georgia. The shopkeeper replied: “Gaw-uh-ud day-umm.” It took the biker a minute to “translate” that response into English. The biker asked about the best route to get out of town. The shopkeeper explained that the main road would be full of big trucks and that the “backroad” would be full of nasty dogs. He left the choice to the biker: “Which do you choose, Mr. Biker? Death by truck or death by dog?” The biker took his chances with the trucks, and he survived.

Also in Mississippi, the biker was brave enough to try the shower facilities at a truck stop. I’ve always wanted to do that. The biker said that he had a wonderful experience, in a spotless shower, for $10. When he returned his towel, they gave him back $5 for the “towel deposit.” I think we should all try a truck stop shower sometime during 2023.

The biker is a wealthy white guy. On the ride, he thought about his life. He had deep, philosophical, thoughts. He recalled a book that he had read called “Affluenza: The All-Consuming Epidemic.” The authors defined the illness of “affluenza” as “a painful, contagious, socially transmitted condition of overload, debt, anxiety, and waste resulting from the dogged pursuit of more.” The biker noted that America has twice as many malls as high schools. He also noted that many homes now have garages that are bigger than a typical 1950s home. Our cars have become “living rooms on wheels.” He concluded that “our priorities are fouled up,”and he resolved to elevate his personal happiness by leading a life of simplicity and frugality. There’s a message there for all of us. Physical “stuff” is not important.

The biker crossed America, from west to east, without ever getting a flat in his front tire. He experienced numerous flats in his back tire. Two years after his long ride, the biker decided that he should also cross America from south to north. Before he left, he thought about changing his front tire. He decided that the original tire was a “good luck charm” and that he should stick with it. So, with the same front tire, he biked from the Mexican border to the Canadian border. Miraculously, he also competed that trip without a front tire flat. All in all, that tire covered more than 4,500 miles without a flat! I think the biker should hang that tire on a chain and wear it around his neck.

It’s good to be home. If you’re lucky, I’ll find some time to blog about some serious issues. Stay tuned.