September is a favorite in most households, I’d wager. It’s a month with many friends’ and family’s birthdays, those celebrants a product of amorous yuletide celebrations gone by; it’s the month when Tamarack (a.k.a. Larch) trees begin to defoliate but offer up a brilliant gold before the needles drop. September in the Northwest finds us looking forward to the Anacortes, Washington-based Oyster Run (36th annual, Sunday, September 24), colder nights, the first soaking rains of fall and, with that dowsing, a lessening risk of wildfire. As someone who’s within eight miles of a 4,000-acre blaze northeast of our rural home in the northeast corner of Washington, I’m happy for that first soak and for cooler weather. But at the same time I have to begrudgingly admit, September is also the beginning of the end of riding for another year in these parts. Sigh… As for those birthdays, the old-ometer registers another click for the following: Frank Hankins (44), Matt Hobbs (63), Gary Carroll (62), Rob Woodey (62), Ken Acheson (65), Val Nelson (ageless), Shannon (60) and Marc Willett (63). If you weren’t named, you’re keeping the info too close. Be proud of your years—consider the alternative. Plus, everyone’s onto you—the number won’t come as a surprise… An early heads up for an event that falls early in October. The Southeast Oregon Chapter of ABATE is holding their Fall Swap Meet on October 8, 10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.; an outdoor event with $5 admission. Location for the soiree is the Elks Lodge #142 parking lot on SE McLoughlin Road in Milwaukie, Oregon. The Elks will be serving breakfast and lunch. If you have questions, see if the answers aren’t online at abatese.net or phone 503.422.7986 (James) or 503.313.7129 (Paul) or e-mail the troop at swapmeet@abatese.net … The Spokane, Washington, Garland Street Fair was held August 12, complete with goods and food vendors, a great variety of live music, the Garland Get Down Rod and Custom Show and outstanding support from the Garland Street business community. This 15th annual event was a day that was enjoyed by bikers from throughout the Inland Northwest region as well. Some mighty nice iron surrounded the classic cars like a necklace. My stomach is still reminding me that I shouldn’t chase Taste of India curry dishes with a root beer float (burp). But so far as we know, you only live once, right? I have a friend (and you know who you are) who hates the expression “a good time was had by all,” but darn it, the line fits. (Sorry, Diane)… Riders will be gathering to promote good prostate health and offering support for those who’ve suffered the opposite in Meridian, Idaho, on September 16. September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month and the fact is, these events save lives by turning heads of people who’d otherwise not consider if it might affect them, or someone they care about. Among many others, the 5th annual Blue Ribbon Rally for Prostate Cancer Awareness is supported by ABATE of Idaho, High Desert Harley, Birds of Prey Motorsports, Fairly Reliable Bob’s, Freddy’s Steakburgers, Iron Cross Warriors and Babes, Bootleggers Idaho Street Outlaws, and Valley Corvettes, benefiting the Saint Alphonsus and the Idaho2Fly Foundation Prostate Cancer Fund. The day will begin at the Idaho Urologic Institute at 2855 E. Magic View Drive in Meridian. Registration kicks off at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday the 16th with departure at 10:30 a.m. The Fun Run and Show and Shine will find riders gathering at High Desert Harley-Davidson where there will be a bike and car show, with music, food, a great raffle and auction. At registration you’ll be asked to part with $15 per bike and $5 for those who ride behind. This is an awfully good cause and an opportunity to learn more and hope that others do the same. Statistic: One in seven men will get prostate cancer in their lives and for every three dozen unfortunate enough to be so stricken, one will be lost. You can help, and meet some fine folks who, like you, are trying to change those statistics. For more info go to idurology.com/brr/ or phone 208.639.4900. More info is also available at the Blue Ribbon Rally Facebook page.
