The Road is Calling.  Having spent the last year hard at work reinventing my life, educating myself on new social media and tech stuff, working on creative projects, and trying to make a dollar, I took a year away from riding.

Not intentionally.  It just happened.

My bike happened to have mechanical challenges and there she sat.  She’s repaired now and ready to roll.  It’s very difficult to sit at my desk working.  Because.  I can hear her breathing.  I can FEEL my motorcycle’s pulse.

Just riding her home from the good ol’ shop (thanks Panhead Phil) the nomad within – the wild child – was certainly aroused.  When I climbed back on her for the first time and turned the key and she roared to life, well, I roared to life, too.  It was like hooking up with a long lost soulmate and laying in bed together, staring at one another in awe, limbs and heart lovingly knit together.

Because I had piles of work to do for the upcoming rallies, she and I couldn’t just ride off and spend hours getting lost in that other world us riders know.  The beautiful adventure. So that short jaunt home was a tease.  Back to the desk.

The Road is Calling every day.  And my motorcycle is the symbol of roads yet to be explored. . .in the form of opportunity, in the way of the journey.

I can’t resist the call too much longer.  The back burner is cooling off and the fire is upfront.

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i read about an old soul.  that becomes younger.  this, to me, is the explaination of ageless.  and i’ve discovered something that unlocks the key to explaining the biker lifestyle.  we are born old souls, but as we actually do accumulate years of experience on the earth, our old souls that which are so open and aware, actually are young.  thus, ageless.  we are open and aware, which explains youth, or, new-ness.  WHAT r u new?  someone may ask and we may say yeah.  because we r new.  we approach things playfully, some what humbly but not knowing that we r humble.  so we r new, with old souls.  the real biker spirit is an old soul, old…which means we’ve been here a long time, in this particular space and in that space we’ve been alert and aware, acknowledging all the while and letting things just be.  or come what may.  or run what u brung.

that’s ol’ soul.

then there is that fun revolution, no evolution, but a revolution.  like a hula hoop with no particular defined direction just revolving around that center chakra…. fun.  revolving.  circles. returning back to center… so you really are never STARTING.  u just are revolving and passing through some super awesome experiences.  and in that circle nothing is ever the same.

what do i mean?

well, let’s take for instance, the way the young adults of today are experiencing the ’80s for the first time….to us it’s a circle, but it’s NOT returning to WHAT WAS.  it is simply revolving to a an era, never to return to WHAT WAS, but rather revolving to the experience.  way cool.

WE, as in those who have experienced that once and i say ONE revolution at the ONE time it actually occured at it’s birth which was never really a start because it EVOLVED from SOMEthing…. ah, MOTHEREARTH how she reaches and teaches us…

we also experience that revolution with the first timers experiencing the rebirth or an experience that we had as a revolution, it is theirs.  and we get to experience IT, that which is that experience that we HAD for the FIRST time, an evolution of something that was something that evolved into the revolution, actually.

And here it is again.  We are the second generation of IT…and they are enjoying the first evolution of their very first experience of that which had come before.

Hence…we are ageless because we ENJOY ENGAGE and REINACT and REINVENT the experience.  We drift through on another level.  Because the first time is so thrilling and new, and now, we who are aware, but inviting the second or third experience like it never before existed because, truly it never had, we are simply AWARE…can experience it ageless, which means NEW and WELCOMING, with no PRECONCEIVED notions.

it just is.  and we take in the moment with NOthing in our brains that will tell us…well, this is how it is, because we move through it fresh and new.

thus we are ageless  thus we are die-hard bikers.

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I met him once.  Sat in his sermons a half dozen times.  My husband, Patrick, also a motorcycle rider and musician, connected deeply with David Foster.  Notice the past tense in my sentence?  Yes, the man departed at the early age of 59.  Healthy, vibrant, a passionate motorcycle rider, and captivating man of God, David Foster slipped away in his sleep.  Napping.   Just like that.  After a routine jog.

Having moved to Nashville some seven years ago while keeping my toes in NYC all along, I had yet to find a “church home” — that place where I felt ultra connected to the people and more importantly the Paster/Reverend/Minister, etc.  For me to connect with the man or woman who dedicates their lives to worship and thus teaching the Holy Word, I need  to be moved, stunned, bowled over.  And I need excellent music to accompany the experience.  And they need to be a human being, doing, experiencing.

This was all available at The Gathering in Nashville.  And the best for me was this Pastor with whom I was becoming more comfortable also rode motorcycles.   He was crazy about riding.  He was funny, yet poignant and serious and real.  The real deal.   He also felt GOD on that two wheel freedom machine.

But I postponed the deeper connection with this Pastor.  Busy.  Working. Busy missing NYC.  Busy with basically nothing when it all came down to it.

I’m shaken to the core about this man’s sudden passing.  Truly, this is a man that you might find hiking up Bear Butte having ridden his motorcycle to Sturgis, on a pilgrimage to hang with God in unconventional ways.

He’s a family man.  A devoted loving husband with children.  A devoted brother to his family who gathered with him.

There’s a steep, pricy lesson I’m learning here since this man simply slipped away:  I don’t want to postpone God anymore or the people, the opportunities, the magic that comes my way that will provide a closer connection with the UNIVERSE, with the ENERGY, with the LIGHT, with the HIGHER POWER.

David Foster was a dynamic man of God.  Yes, a Renegade.  Any one of my hardcore biker family members would have seriously dug his messages and even would want to ride with him, hang out, ponder what he says even while they might be partying.  His messages of God and JESUS were that penetrating to the soul.  Because he was the real deal.

Conventional church was not David Foster’s way of representing GOD.  He did it through GATHERING.  The Gathering.  Just getting together in a rented out movie theater.  A smart move, too.  Killer sound system and video, folks could bring in their Starbucks, have messy bed head and sour breath from partying the night before.  You just had to come as you ARE.  That’s all he asked.  Come messy if you want.  We’re all messy anyway, he’d say.

That’s what God asks of us in the WIND while riding.  Just come as you ARE.   Show up for the love and the peace, and the wisdom and the awe.  Learn some lessons that feed your soul.  Learn your truth and live the truth.

Here is his last earthly sermon, the last in his series called “Messy Like Me”  and chose the sermon for April 1st, 2012.  

http://www.thegatheringnashville.com/online-campus/media/

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Of course I STILL ride and STILL own a motorcycle.  Life without one would cause me great pain.  My motorcycle is my breath.  She’s my oxygen.  She is the bloom in my life.

Miss Tigerlily.   MY SOULO companion.

There is a rumor going around which makes me chuckle.  That I no longer have a motorcycle because upon my FACEBOOK there is no recent photos of my adventures. Ah, such a nasty rumor.  As you can well tell, as a word nerd, my efforts have gone into writing so many other things for the people for whom I work.  I miss my blogs and books… it’s HIGH time to get back to the craft for myself which really is for my beloved riding family to enjoy as well.

Oh I have my kickass Miss Tigerlily, the road kitten.  She was in need of repair.  Money was tight.  Now she is fixed as of this week.

And then there’s the luxury of time to ride.  You see, I expanded my cool niche for myself as an Event Manager and Marketing Specialist in the Motorcycle Industry.  Funny, too, it’s just a more comprehendible title for my self-titled “Go To Girl” role.   Since last Sturgis, I’m working on a great many more events and rallies.  Working with the Jay Allen Road Show, too, since moving on from the beloved Broken Spoke, Lazelle Street.

I’m working my a$$ off behind the scenes of these events and rallies that you ride to and enjoy.    I’m sacrificing my riding time to accomplish deadlines.  All because I freaking LOVE this lifestyle so much and want my brothers and sisters to have a throw down great time at the rallies.

Sometimes a girl will lay off her riding time for family.  In this case, my family is you.

See you on the road and keep on s’miling.

Kisses and Dreams Come True on Two Wheels.

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Just deliver. Everyday. Deliver your best. Make sure you have a chance to be playful with your delivery.

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I find a kindred soul with Taylor Swift. She writes of things I still think about and feel even though I’m way older than she. What I love most about her is honesty and integrity and responsibility as an artist and human. She wears her blessings well and because of this she is able to touch the hearts and uplift the souls of so many. She deserves all the awards she receives. I’m in awe of this young girl. Lots of folks point out how she does not sing in key, how her daddy bought her a substantial career with his resources and on and on. I say 1) we are all off key in so many ways and it’s a struggle to find our key in life sometimes. I think it’s awesome how her off key still opened the door for her; 2) so what that her father has amazing resources. Awesome. The whole family is smart and loving, and they ran into a smart man, Scott Borchetta at Big Machine. I think it’s a beautiful unfolding actually.  Taylor is a gem.  She identifies with geeky chicks like me, too.  I’m happy that she had the substantial resources in her world to catapult her. Her words and music are important to young people, and to folks like me who are whimsical and forever young at heart.

God bless you little Taylor. Thank you for your magic and constant inspiration. You’re an angel. Stay true. Stay ever the picture of a lovely, classy girl.

: )

P.S.  I love your song, “Mean” — Gosh there are people in my world to whom I would sing this song at the top of my lungs.

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FROM: BIKERNET.COM written by Sasha.
Watch out Daytona Bike Week, Sturgis Motorcycle Rally and Laconia, there’s a new national rally in Texas. In a mere ten years, one hurricane, and a change of owners The Lone Star Rally 10th Anniversary is now a bright star in the line up of big motorcycle events. The difference is, the Lone Star Rally is only a weekend long whereas the other rallies last a week or more. Co-owned and produced by rally and event veteran, Melissa Penland and her incredible production crew, the rally is now a world class event attracting near a half million people.

The Strand, Lone Star Rally 2011. Photo by Carrie Repp

The uniqueness of this rally is the relationship between the city and the rally officials. The City of Galveston rolls out the welcome carpet to a rally production team that is humble, professional, responsible, and respectful and they know the exact ingredients it takes to create a tasty fare of treats for everyone on two wheels. The best part is that year after year they keep on improving the mix. Adding genuine spice and serving it up is Jay Allen, the beloved founder of the legendary Broken Spoke Saloon, who is the rally Master of Ceremonies. His deep passion coupled with his history book knowledge of all things motorcycles continuously entertains the massive crowds. Allen brings his authentic motorcycle culture and industry experience and his years of operating a world class brand together to mastermind entertainment in a way that only he can do.

Jared Blake sings the National Anthem at the Lone Star Rally Freedom Ride. Photo by Carrie Repp

Rick “Dakota” Kempf of Motorcycle Cowboys was the organizer behind the debut of the very well attended Lone Star Rally All Star Roundup bike show on Pier 21. With over 100 entrants, there were bikes of all styles and makes including customs and backyard builds so incredible the judges’ (including Rick Fairless, Paul Yaffe, Jody Perewitz, and Puppy) enjoyed the challenge. Sons of Anarchy characters “Opie” and “Chibs” happily signed autographs for lines that wrapped around the block and one fanatic had the signatures tattooed. Mike Ballard and Angie, including Paul the Leprechan, from Full Throttle Saloon on TruTV photo posed for eager fans. Cheered on by a rambunctious audience, Jay Allen and Jody Perewitz went head-to-head in a bitchin’ burnout below the stage to welcome Buck Cherry. Rally music stars Jasmine Cain, Ryan Rolando, Farrell Webber and Big Engine, along with some awesome local acts, smoked the Budweiser and Jagermeister stages. Jared Blake, a finalist from NBC’s “The Voice” performed for the Long Star Rally Freedom Ride concert where he sang the National Anthem and then hauled off and kick started a country rock block of music that sent the Jager stage on fire.

Jay Allen and Jody Perewitz go head to head in a burnout at Lone Star Rally 2011

Yes, all of these things, and that’s only a mere taste of the impressive activities that went on at Lone Star Rally 2011.

All in all success starts at the top and flows through the veins. With Melissa Penland as fearless leader of production operations, she is the perfect hostess of the rally. She’s keen on delivering a wonderful experience to the rally guests and the City of Galveston, one that creates lasting memories and friendships — and that type of leadership filters throughout the entire production family. Everyone’s goal in the rally team is for the customer to have a mega awesome time and for the city to feel the love. This is success. And it shows.

Now that the 2011 rally has wrapped, plans are now being sketched for 2012. With a renewed contract of several more years and the bonus of having the Seawall back to bring in the big rigs and more vendors, it looks like there’s going to be an even bigger smorgasbord of exciting new, motorcycle activities to enjoy.

P.S. Did I mention that I have a dream job working on the Lone Star Rally team? Thanks Melissa!

P.S.S. Thanks to Jay Allen for being the most awesome emcee and visionary.

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Sasha & Motoroadeo MMC release an official Love Ride fundraiser song

The Love Ride song is humbly dedicated to the incredible legacy of the annual Love Ride fundraiser event founded by Oliver Shokouh of Glendale Harley-Davidson. Written by an indie artist who truly does live to ride and works in the motorcycle industry, this song represents the passion to serve and help others in the motorcycle community.

“The goal is to make the Love Ride song the largest fundraiser tune in history because there are so many people in need and motorcyclists are known for their generous fundraising efforts worldwide. The more money raised the more causes can be supported,” tells Sasha Mullins Lassiter, songwriter and performer with Motoroadeo MMC. She is best known as a journalist, author of the books Chrome Cowgirl and Bikerlady, and a motorcycle event manager for Jay Allen and Melissa Penland.

The Love Ride song fundraiser campaign will continue through 2012. A music video to support this project is forthcoming and will feature fun historical footage from the Love Ride. “I’m honored that Oliver and the Love Ride committee accepted this project. What he and his team have created with the Love Ride represents the giving heart of the motorcycle riding family. With the economic challenges facing charities these days, in my small way, I wanted to contribute to a foundation in our lifestyle that has the ability and resources to help all kinds of causes,” said Sasha.

Founded by Sasha and husband, Patrick Lassiter, the band Motoroadeo MMC (MotorMusic Club) is comprised of various musicians who love motorcycles and cool cars and are gear heads.

The Love Ride, a 501(c)3 charity, began in 1984 to raise funds for children’s charities. Oliver Shokouh is Love Ride’s founder and owner of Harley-Davison® of Glendale located at 3717 San Fernando Road, Glendale, CA, an authorized dealer for Harley-Davidson® and Buell® Motorcycles serving customers since 1976. Information about Love Ride: www.loveride.org

The song is available at your favorite digital distribution site (Amazon, Rhapsody, Spotify, and many more).
Share the Love and pass these links along:

ITUNES:   http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/love-ride-single/id462805782

BANDCAMP: http://motoroadeommc.bandcamp.com/track/love-ride

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A Powerful Marriage united by Eve Hogan www.heartpath.com

read the blog about it: MUSIC + MOTORCYCLES = MARRIAGE

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Barefoot Bride

Toes in the sand
got a ring on my hand
i’m in love
i’m in love
the surf is a crashin
and I’m head over heels
in love
in love
this forever feels real
and we sealed the deal
with a kiss on the beach
I’m aloha speechless
a barefoot bride ready to enjoy the best ride of her life.

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