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Audrey Paulas

Hogback Twister Challenge

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By: Audrey “Stormy” Paulus

When I saw a challenge with the word “twister” in the title spreading around Facebook, I had to check it out and enter.  When it said it had to be completed in 9 hours, I wanted to do it in 8 hours.  A few of us from Cool Biker Lunch and Rides participated and had a blast!  It was a true challenge of endurance, with the combination of breathtaking scenery and endless twists and turns.  I even learned about two routes that I never knew about, Rist Canyon and Devil’s Gulch.  I felt like I was in a foreign country surrounded by green pastures and quaint little ranch homes.  It was amazing!!

I interviewed the man behind this challenge.  Graeme Wallace left his home in Scotland and moved to Colorado to pursue a life-long dream.  That was when his Hogback Distillery was established, and his goal to make Scotch-style whiskey in America began.  The name Hogback is inspired by the Dakota Hogback Ridge that runs along the entire length of the Colorado Rockies.  Traditionally, the spirit for blended Scotch whiskey is sourced from the most independent distilleries throughout Scotland. This is the model followed by Hogback, with the bulk of their blended whiskey coming from other U.S. distilleries.

Graeme expressed his passion to me, “as someone that has been riding motorcycles for over 40 years in Scotland, riding curvy roads is what motorcycling is all about for me.  Part of the reason for moving from Scotland to Colorado was to ride the mountain roads, so the first thing I did when I arrived four years ago was to buy a Harley Davidson Fatboy.  It did not take long to discover four canyons, including Clear Creek Canyon and Golden Gate Canyon.  Gradually, I explored more canyons to make a circuit.”

As Graeme toured me around his Boulder distillery, he explained how he came up with this twister challenge. “It occurred to me that others might enjoy the same roads, so I road each one in both directions to feel out which direction flowed the best.  The idea kept developing and growing until I reached the current 9 canyon route with minimal overlap and maximum enjoyment for riding curves.  The fact that the canyons cut through the Dakota Hogback Ridge and that my Hogback Distillery has the same name is a pure coincidence but an apt one.”

A few of the participants had some great stories to share about their experience:

Steve Wilcox

“I mostly ride alone to ride at my own pace, but I’ve been itching to branch out and ride with others on some local motorcycle events.  Luckily, I came across the Hogback Twister Challenge on the web and decided to sign up to meet other local riders and to ride not just a few but all of the canyons in the front range of the Rocky Mountains between Fort Collins and Evergreen.

With all events, you start the day on your own and end it on your own, but the in-between is all about riding with others.  Arriving at 6 a.m. at the Hogback Distillery parking lot with 30 plus motorcycles with their lights on in the late dawn is a wonderful feeling.  I’m not the only crazy one!  It’s great to see all these other riders coming out to challenge themselves with 350 miles of twists and turns.

I have ridden most of these canyons as part of my quiver of local rides but never gave it a thought to ride ALL of them in one day.  That seemed insane!

The first two canyons I rode alone.  Then three Harley riders caught me in Lyons, and I decided to tag along for the ride.  And what a ride it was!  It was great to ride with a group of very experienced riders and looked out for each other.  They had no idea who I was, but they paved the way for a great ride together!  I hung on for a few more canyons and then decided to ride on my own again for a while.

My 2020 Harley Street Glide Special threw some engine codes at Meeker on the Peak to Peak Highway.  I decided to continue on the route, which went close to a Harley dealership to stop by and see if it was anything serious.  The codes resulted from some temporary glitch, and I cleared the codes and resumed the Twister Challenge at the bottom of Lookout Mountain, where I joined up with a group of adventure riders.  Traffic was now an issue.  My left thumb started to cramp from all of the clutching throughout the day in the canyons – much more than any average long-distance road trip.  I got through Evergreen, and then the rest of the ride was doable since the traffic was less and the roads were freer of cages.

It was a great feeling when other bikers in the challenge were coming towards you, and you acknowledged them with the motorcycle greeting.  Although separated by our motorcycles on the road together, we were experiencing the great ride of the Hogback Twister Challenge.”

Becky Bradley

“Sometime in July, I saw an event that intrigued me!!  A twister challenge?  I love the twisties and often go out of my way to incorporate some into my route when I get a chance to ride – just to ride.  I wasn’t sure who was going and the 300-bike limit lit a fire under my butt.  I signed up.  I may have psyched myself out a few times, awaiting August 7th, but I have ridden more than one canyon in a day ride before this.  I was going to complete the ride regardless.  There was a 14-hour time limit on this 350-mile challenge.  More than enough, I thought to myself.  I decided to take an early wave to ensure I had plenty of time.  As luck would have it, I knew a few people planning to ride, and I could team up with a friend.  That always makes the ride a little more fun, in my opinion.  Our wave was at 6:05 a.m. We turned on our Rever apps to track our ride and time as we left the parking lot.  In my mind, the challenge was: to complete the ride unscathed and in the best time possible.  

The morning light was just starting to brighten when we left the Hogback Distillery with 8 other bikes.  We hit the first canyon before we had time to get warm in the safety gear we had donned.  At first, the bikes were pretty grouped up, and we caught the last of the 6 a.m. wave, but soon small groups of bikes were traveling at their own pace, and my riding companion and I were just two bikes taking the twisties with ease and enjoying the ride.  Lefthand, St Vrain, Big Thompson, Rist, Coal Creek, Bear Creek, Clear Creek, Golden Gate, and Boulder Canyons.  The option to stop was not one we took, as we both wanted to see what time it would take for us to complete this ride.  We stopped once for gas when we doubled back through Estes Park to just stand up and take off our helmets at the top of Lookout Mountain.  We did make it back to the Hogback Distillery in 8 hours and 33 minutes – including both stops.  Eight hours and six minutes was our riding time.  Not too bad if I do say so myself.  The Hogback Distillery put on a good event with BBQ, music, and whiskey at the end of the ride, making this a destination worthy of the ride itself.  Next year I plan to ride it again.  I may slow down and observe the scenery a little more.  Maybe even stop for lunch somewhere.”

Edward Collins

“It was dark as we turned our two Road Glides into the staging area at the Hogback Distillery in Boulder.  We were preceded by a woman riding a Ducati sports bike.  This exemplified the range of riders and machines gathered to accept the Hogback Challenge.  The times, the turns (1,300+) melted away effortlessly as our navigator negotiated every intersection, every route perfectly laid out.  It seemed we had only left the starting line moments before when we crossed the finish line.  We now have stories to tell, friends made, friends met, and memories shared.  It all made for a great day.  I am looking forward to participating in this challenge next year, although I would like to suggest that the route be run in an exact sequential order, and if there is any variance from the route, the rider should be disqualified.”

Kristi Strother

“This challenge wasn’t a challenge to me, but just a fun day riding the canyons.  We were in no hurry and even took an hour for lunch.  If I do this challenge next year, I will make this a challenge and earn my prizes and certificate.”

Shirley Kuuipo Soares 

“The Hogback Twister Challenge was exactly that, a challenge.  It challenged my endurance, riding skills, and facing my fear of heights while experiencing Colorado’s beauty.  It was an amazing ride with my group smiling every time we took a break and talked about what we saw through a canyon or over the lookouts.  The Hogback Twister has is now a great addition to our yearly riding must-dos.”

Tony Doukas

“If I didn’t follow the couple riding in my 6 a.m. group, I would have been lost because the Rever app was making me turn at roads that didn’t even exist on the map.  We had a great time riding the curves at fast speeds.  At the finish line, someone had asked me ‘what was my favorite canyon’.  I couldn’t answer because to me, it’s not so much about the road or the challenge from Point A to Point B, but it’s the people you ride with is what was important.”

Cheryl Lynn & Kui Bean

“The Hogback Twister Challenge was an awesome experience!  It was fun, interesting, and of course, challenging.  It was an unknown territory for us that turned out to be invaluable.  At first, we didn’t think anything about doing it.  We’ve never ridden the mountains or been on any long distance runs.  Coming from Hawaii, the longest we rode was twice around Oahu.  Not the same!  We started just talking about it then all of a sudden, we began our journey to the Hogback!  We made new friends, got some dinner whiskey and a cool shirt; we went to places that we will definitely head to again, and most importantly, learned a little bit more about each other.  The Hogback gave us the confidence to push past our limits and grab hold of more challenges.” 

From talking to some of the participants, each came away with something different from this challenge.  Some discovered that their stronger than they thought they were, some found that friends watch each others’ backs, and some felt they are a piece of something more significant than they could ever be alone.  I often wondered how many people can go through the same thing or see the same thing, and yet the experiences are different as night and day.  That is pretty awesome.  

I am sure some learned quite a few things from this challenge and are already planning on what not to do for next year’s Hogback Twister Challenge.  I know I am.

By Stormy

International Female Ride Day Event Scheduled For May 1st

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Audrey Paulas is the co-founder of Cool Biker Lunch & Rides, and avid rider and writer for Colorado Rider News

Let’s get together and celebrate this globally synchronized “JUST RIDE!”© day, for women created by Vicki Gray to bring awareness to the “cultural, social and active lifestyles of women who ride and enjoy motorcycling.” 

Colorado Rider News and Cool Biker Lunch & Rides invite all women riders to join them on Saturday, May 1st @ 9 a.m. at Rocky Mountain Harley-Davidson in Littleton.  There will be a 100-mile scenic ride!  Kickstands up at 10 a.m.  After the ride, the celebrations will begin at Rocky Mountain HD where women vendors, music, and great games and prizes will be available for everyone.

For more information on the ride please visit our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/events/829203054294139

Pre-registration is 20.00 per rider and includes an event t-shirt.  Registration is $25.00 the day of the event, so we encourage everyone to register early.

All funds raised will go to COVID relief (local food banks and #2wheels4meals) to help our community.  Our community is still suffering as this pandemic is declining, these food banks are dedicated to ensuring everyone has the food they need during this period of financial hardship.

Mark your calendar and don’t miss this unforgettable women’s empowerment gathering!  Spread the word to your lady biker friends that it’s time for all of the women to get connected, reach out, and lift up each other. 

“IFRD provides a platform for women motorcycle riders to bond with other women, to meet and find like-minded women who ride and develop friendships with which to enjoy and advance motorcycling!” – Vicki Gray, Founder

IFRD has deemed the first Saturday in May each year the most important day of the year for a women’s ride to highlight the following:

  • Highlight the number of women who ride.
  • Encourage other women to take up the activity.
  • Raise awareness about women’s equality in motorsports; and lastly
  • Celebrate women’s advancement in motorsports and powersports.

Sponsored by Rider Justice, Rocky Mountain Harley Davidson, Colorado Rider News, and Cool Biker Lunch and Rides

We want to thank all of the sponsors who invested so much time & energy to hosting this event for women riders

A Tribute to Chris Pejko

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By Michele Tusi – East Coast

On January 3rd, 2021, Chris Pejko died in a tragic motorcycle accident.  And just like that, the community lost a fellow biker, a nurse, an avid snowboarder … a person who would move heaven and earth to help a friend, ease a heartache, or give you a doom and gloom prognosis if you had a cough.  Funny?  Yeah, Chris was a funny dude with a quirky sense of humor and a laugh that was genuine.

Chris was a rock star.  Literally.  He kicked cancer’s ass TWICE, cruised all over the country on his Harley, slashed through fresh powder on more mountains than most can even name, and cared for the sickest of the sick as an ICU nurse working on the front lines against the pandemic and throughout his career.  When people say, “live your life to the fullest”, Chris embodied that expression.  Chris designed his life in a way that needed to be experienced in order to be fully lived.  Experience it, he did, and he would have happily taken any of us with him on those adventures.

He loved his concerts – big and small, his Harley – I mean how many photos of his bike did we see on Facebook??, snowboarding – great adventures with ‘Team Retard’, his profession – a lifelong passion for helping others, his friends – and you know who you are and of course, his family – God Bless.

If you had the privilege to ride with Chris, you know he was an experienced rider, whose joy came from the RIDE – no matter where or with whom – he loved to ride!  He could find a unique route to get just about anywhere, you never knew where you were going, but the roads were always smooth, and the scenery breathtaking.  The girls would joke that Chris was the best ‘bike valet’ for he was quick to help you get parked, get moved, or get caught up!  NO ONE LEFT BEHIND when you rode with Chris.

Chris was a solid human, a great friend, and more importantly, possessed empathy beyond his years.  He would do whatever he could for anyone.  He would offer to pay for things when he knew that others could not afford them, even if he himself was strapped for cash.  He just made it happen.

Each one of us has a footprint beyond the Biker Community.  I would be remiss if I did not mention Chris’ professional impact as an ICU Nurse.  His peers and colleagues looked up to him, as evident by the many Facebook posts on his timeline and retelling of work time stories and antidotes.  His ability to stay calm in emergencies, advocate for his patients, and provide on the spot training and support for his fellow nurses makes this loss even more heartbreaking.

What can I say?

‘You know that only the good die young

I tell ya

Only the good die young

Only the good die young’

Artist – Billy Joel

1,000 Miles in a day Challenge

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By Stormy

Cool Biker Lunch and Rides Facebook group page hosted a 1K in 1 Day challenge during the 2020 riding season.  It was perfect timing because it gave members something to do during the crazy lockdown of COVID19.  For the ones that do not ride, they might wonder “why would you torture yourself and ride 1,000 miles in one day?”  They would not understand that our self-esteem soars when we have been able to accomplish something like this, and to some who treated the challenge like it was a race to see who can complete it in the best time, the higher the self-esteem will go.  To me, personally, I carried an unaccomplished feeling for a year because the first time I attempted this in 2019, I was hit by a car right when my odometer read 1,001 miles, but I could not verify this accomplishment because I was unconscious in the hospital and my motorcycle was totaled.  In August, my great friend Kristi and I did the 1K in 1 Day and headed to Sturgis and back.  We had time to roam around Main Street and got some cool Sturgis souvenirs.  We did the challenge in less than 18 hours.  When we boasted about that, of course, it now became a challenge to see who can do it in less time.  

First, congratulations to the ones who accomplished it in 2020:

Jason Ennis, Austin Prather, Rachel Renee, Michelle Clemente, Kelli Thomas, Frank Nusser (two times), Stephen Gonzales, James Head, Gary Braley, Kristi Strother, Audrey Paulus, Michael Koller, Ed Collins, Bruce Gorman, Dave Setter, Rick Way, and Wildman Wilson.

Below are their experiences of this challenge:

Jason Ennis

My experience with the 1K was one of enjoyment and pure torture.  I have never done something like that before and was determined to be the first one to do it.  As my whole life, I love to be the first to do anything.  It took me almost the full 24 hours, but I accomplished it.  

Austin Prather

I had been seeing the 1K 1Day Challenge on the Cool Biker page on FB.  I was interested right away, but I noticed that no one was chomping at the bit which made it much more attractive to me.  It really meant that it was not an easy or truly desirable mission, which made me want to do it even more.  It was a fun day, and I cannot wait to do it again this year.

Kelli Thomas

It was an extraordinarily rich experience. The whole scene on the trip was all breathtaking.  This group works well together which made it smoother.  I am deaf, and we got through it with good communication.  I would like to thank them all.  It was well worth it to accomplish the 24-hour challenge.  I will remember this ride for a very long time.

Frank Nusser

I did my first 1k earlier in the year with Austin and the gang.  It was not your normal 1k route.  Lots of mountain passes and slower roads.  It took around 21 hours. I wanted to beat that time and attempted another 1k in the fall.  We had a good group, good route, and great weather.  We had a couple issues but still got it done around 14 hours.  It was a great feeling to be able to complete this challenge twice in the same year.  The only one!

Rachel Renee

Boy was this a challenge.  We communicated well and made decisions together as a group.  There were a lot of firsts for everyone, and this ride would not be the same without this exact group of people.  I am so glad I went along.  Met new friends.  Seen old places with fresh new eyes.  Ride free!

Michelle Clemente

I am glad to make a decision to join the 1k for one day challenger because I was not sure if I could do it as I’m a new rider.  It is a BIG challenge for me with routes and mountains.  So glad that we made it!  Our group is so wonderful to cooperate, communicate well, and enjoy our times with no drama.  

James Head

My 1k ride is not only my first try, but also the first time I have left the state by myself on a bike, and only the second time I have done any real distance.  I have years of riding, but just never rode anywhere far.  My route was down to Durango and then on to Albuquerque and back to Denver.  This experience was exhausting, and eventually filled with the shadowy hallucinations, but when I opened Facebook and read all the encouragement from Cool Biker Lunch & Rides members, it made me jump right back on the bike after the fill up and keep on keeping!!

Rick Way

I rode more than two 1K rides in 2020.  2021 who knows?  At least  once a year,  maybe more, is always my goal.  I love it.  That is why I keep doing it.  For me, the destination always changes.  It is all about the journey….  Ride safe, ride on.

Stephen Gonzales

Thanks everyone.  All in all, it was a fantastic day!    I stopped and visited with friends and family along the way to Las Vegas.   Some of them I have not seen in 10 years.  Part of my route took me though my hometown and places I camped and hunted when I was young.  I even got to spend some time remembering good times while riding.  So yes, this was a fantastic day!

Kristi Strother

I met Audrey right off I-25 and exit 136, at a Maverick gas station right off the freeway.  She was all smiles.  We both were.  I had made some funny Bat and Shark signs to help us tease each other about our bikes.  We took photos of our mileage and held silly signs.  Off we went!  The road in front of us, the cold morning wind whipping at our faces, music cranked high, our hair blowing, two friends embarked on our amazing, Sturgis 1k Challenge. 

Michael Koller

I really only went on this ride to beat someone’s record after friendly banter on Facebook, so I hooked up with Ed Collins to accomplish this.  The route was chosen specifically for that reason, straight and easy!  I would have liked a more scenic route, but this one served its purpose.  The trip was not difficult at all, and I would do it again, especially when our record is broken.

Ed Collins

It was the first week of October when Michael Koller and I did our 1K challenge to Kansas and back.  We had a few snafus in the morning that held us back timewise, but we made up for it on the long stretches going 100 mph.  Once we passed the state line back into Colorado, ears ringing from the wind noise, the sun hanging low in the sky, temperature slowly dropping, we have 990 miles under our belts.  The next cut off is only a minute away.  We turned off into a fuel station and the mileage read that we were 1,003 miles up and 13.5 hours.  We filled them up, fought our way through rush hour traffic, found a cold drink, a good cigar, and took some time for reflection, 1,000 miles under 24 hours!

Dave Setter

Our 1k/1Day “race” started with a boasting challenge on September 28, by the leader of our riding group (Audrey Paulus with Cool Bikers) posting that the fastest time for the year to date was set by Audrey and her pal, Kristi Strother, at slightly under 18 hours.  Bruce Gorman wanted to make the run anyhow with the thought that we could catch a great lunch at a famous Mexican restaurant down in Albuquerque and ride back easily under 18 hours.  We picked a date a few weeks out that worked for the group, Saturday, October 10.  However, a few days before our ride, two other riders (Ed Collins and Michael Koller) completed their 1k in a record setting 13.5 hours. They threw down a gauntlet that Frank Nusser dared us to beat.  So much for a relaxing lunch ride down and back to Albuquerque, as the race was now on.

THE RIDERS: Frank Nusser, Craig Harlan, Bruce Gorman, and Dave Setter. As a group, we had been on several longer rides together.  It helped that we knew each rider’s skills and road savvy, especially, if we were going to beat that damn 13.5 hours.

We finally made it to 1,000 miles, right at 14 hours.  We celebrated as Frank passed out candy cigars, as our salute to those who had set the 13.5-hour record.  Until next time, cigar dudes!

Bruce Gorman

I kissed my wife, ‘See you later’, and I stepped out into the darkness.  Ready for whatever the road has waiting for me.

Steve “Wildman” Wilson

Chronicles of the Wildman and the Thousand Mile Ride

On 5 November 2020, I embarked on a 1000-mile ride on my 2003 Honda Goldwing.  I pack more than I need, but I just wanted to make sure I am prepared for a variety of possibilities and eventualities.  I get to bed early for an early start.  I wake up at 0200 and finish my packing and checklists and get on the road.  I get my start receipt at 0255 and off we go.   I ride to complete this trek.  I ride to get a sense of accomplishment.  I ride to finish what I started.  I get to the last gas station to get my final receipt.  I am tired and dirty, but after 21-1/2 hours and about 1,057 miles, I am accomplished.  I go around the corner home and I have a celebratory drink, shower, and go to bed.

Gary Braley

My 1K 1D ride was for me: it had been an unusually rough year, and it was about time for me to get my head on right.   I went through Wyoming, Utah, and Colorado.   Got off the highway and took a few backwoods mountain roads where I grew up.   My plan was to use all the time I had to just cruise and enjoy,  enjoy my bike, enjoy the scenery,  and enjoy me again.  It turned out to be a fantastic day, over 23 hours of time, just me and my bike.  I believe I traveled 1,141 miles taking in the beauty and smiling that I had missed all the rain…lol.  I cannot wait to take the similar trip this summer, only this time, my daughter will be riding her bike with me.  My bike truly is my happy place.

Todd McLaughlin and his friend Bruce Leipold attempted this challenge on October 11th.  Their route was Denver to Provo to Green River and back.  After they hit Laramie, they decided to opt out of the challenge for they ran into some dangerous weather, 60 mph winds and rain with snow in the forecast!  They will be back in 2021 to finish this accomplishment.

Anyone else want to do this challenge this year?!!  There are some rumors that the above will be back this year to beat their time.  I am looking forward to hearing about their journeys.  

Sharks vs. Bats

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There is a lot of friendly banter between Street Glide (bat) and Road Glide (shark) owners.  Most people are partial to the bike they have and will turn a blind eye to whatever pros they hear about the other bike.  They have a clear favorite between the two bikes and some either love or hate one or the other, no matter if their shoulders get tired after a long ride or if they get shifted on the roads on a windy day.

I owned a Street Glide for a very brief time before I discovered that I like the Road Glide better.  The batwing fairing mounted on the front end made it heavy for me in high winds, to make U-turns, or to maneuver around in a parking lot.  

I must admit a few years ago, I always thought the Road Glide was ugly with the previous two-head lighted style fairing, but the newer, more shark-nosed Rushmore fairing is bad ass!

I asked Frank Nusser who owns a Street Glide why he likes his bat, “I like the classic and clean look of the batwing.  I enjoy how it feels on the open road and have had no problems with wind.  It is a motorcycle; the wind is why I ride.  The controls are closer for me to reach and see as well.  I feel comfortable and in total control with my batwing.”

Kirk Woodward who has a Street Glide but recently bought a Road Glide said, “with one long day in the wind and as advertised, there is a huge difference in how the Shark handles wind with the fatigue factor going way down compared to my Bat.”  He continued by saying, “there are many other things I love about the Shark, but most of those I attribute to the fact that it is brand new and Harley has made a lot of improvements in handling, so much so that this bike almost rides itself and inspires tremendous confidence.”

Hayden James was involved in an accident with his Road Glide earlier this year.  He re-capped about what happened, “I slid the bike low side to avoid hitting the trailer.  The bike laid down exceptionally smooth for doing 45ish miles an hour.  It was not until after the accident, I found out the tires caught traction on the road, and the bike did a barrel roll through the air.  The windshield and passenger seat backrest hit the pavement, the bike continued the roll, landed on its right side, and slid 50 feet.  All things considered it is mostly cosmetic from sliding, scratched bags, fairing, and bent crash bar.  Having gone completely airborne then hitting the ground, I am really impressed.  If it were not for the bent crash bars, road rash on the bags, and the broken windshield, you almost wouldn’t be able to tell it was in an accident.”

I asked Ed Collins, a fellow shark owner what his thoughts were on this topic and he said, “Let’s be honest the bat is a creature known for its unique, mysterious, and exceptional style, which can very well be used to describe the Harley Davidson batwing (Street Glide) arguably the most stylish designed motorcycle ever conceived.  The shark on the other hand is designed for the long haul, decreasing rider fatigue by taking pressure of prolonged exposure to wind and buffeting from riders’ arms and shoulders and distributed into the frame of the bike.”

All in all, both models have some amazing technology packed into the fairing with the Infotainment systems, touchscreens, speakers, and gauges.  We cannot forget the new Milwaukee Eight engine found in all the 2017+ touring models.

So, which one is better?  I feel you would have to ride them both to determine that and everyone has a style and preference of their own.

Schaff Poker Run

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Mike and Krisi Schaff were killed on their motorcycle by a distracted driver

By: Stormy

On October 18th, The Becker Band and Cool Biker Lunch and Rides hosted a poker run for Mike and Krisi Schaff who were lost from a tragic motorcycle accident on 104th Avenue last month. They left behind three children Tony, Kayli, and Kristian.  The poker run raised $5,000.00 for the three kids.  The organizers would like to thank the five venues for letting them use their places for the poker run: Eagles #3226, Tailfeathers, Floodstage, Cheers, and Brewski’s.  

There were over 80 raffle prizes donated to the cause.  A big thank you for the following donators: 

The organizers would also like to give a shout out to the volunteers. Thank you Ed Collins, Kristi Strother, Babette Canacari, Erik Crystal Raymond, Joe Dory, Jennifer Kaup Dory, Patricia Broncos Pere, Michele Tusi, Mary Macias, Samantha Callahan, June Hutch, Crystal, Heather Pevan, Katie Pearson, Tom Pearson, Nanette Rice, Linda Sue Fick, and especially to Moon Angell for working the raffle prizes even when a tragedy happened right before and she plowed through it like a professional with the help of Kimberly Ray Khaos, Georgette Lynn, and June Hutch.  Thank you thank you everyone!!!!

I was blessed to have met Tony Schaff, the eldest child of Mike and Krisi and asked him what it was like growing up in the Schaff household, and he happily answered, “Our home was full of life, memories, and new lessons.  My siblings and I loved to do anything with our parents especially when it came to growing up and learning how to work on our cars or to mow the lawn.  Our memories and life lessons with them have made us who we are today and even with this big obstacle in front of us, it is another life lesson we are going to have to work through.  Even though they are not here with us in person to help us, they are here in spirit to guide us past this terrible situation we’ve been put in!”

He walked me through what happened the day of the accident, “I learned about the accident about an hour after it took place!  I was with my girlfriend and something did not feel right because my parents said they left the Eagles off Huron at about 7:27 p.m. Saturday the 26th.  We went driving to look for them and not even 5 minutes into the drive we found where the accident had taken place and where police officers were still trying to figure out what had happened that night!  About a half hour of being there, the officers finally told me that it was my parents and that they were not going to be coming home that night or ever again!!”

After asking him how he and his siblings are handling the situation, he said, “they are having a hard time, but we are working through together.  Our family is close.  We just need to find a way to make every bad time we have, better, especially having family from Utah here to help as well!”

He went on to say that his plans for being responsible for his siblings is to make sure they are staying safe and going to school if they feel capable.  He said, “I have so much family here to help I’m just trying to make sure we keep a roof over our heads and food in our stomachs while we go through all the ins and outs of trying to make sure they’re taken cared of after the funeral, and they go out into the world on their own.”

Since the accident, Tony has noticed how drivers are not paying attention and turning into traffic not caring and just running red lights seemingly just to go to their destination faster.   He wants to tell everyone, “check more than twice when you’re about to turn into on-coming traffic and to stay off your phones while driving, so you can keep full attention on people’s lives and your own while on the road!!”

Tony expressed his feelings about the poker run, “Where do I even begin?  Saturday was Amazing!  To see all the support from people we never even met that just wanted to help my siblings and I was unbelievable.  I am still speechless about it.  All I can really say is thank you to everyone that came out and helped.  Thank you to you Audrey and Cool Biker Lunch and Rides for helping plan it and getting it set up!!   Thank you so much!!!”