Ohio has a lot of claims to fame. Besides the Rock 'n Roll Hall of Fame and the Football Hall of Fame, there is more...lots more. Seven United States presidents were born there...the very first traffic light in America was lit up on a Cleveland street in 1914...Akron is considered to be "the rubber capitol of the world"...and "Balto the Wonder Dog," the most famous sled dog in history, is buried there (yes, he's dead...died in 1933). But, wait, there's more! Ohio is also the home of Boozefighters chapter 12, and this fun-lovin' bunch of brothers hosted the BFMC Nationals in May...and it was truly a bash worthy of the fiery energy of rock 'n roll, the power of the NFL, and the glory of "Balto" all rolled into one!

A special tip of the green 'n white hat goes out to all those who rolled into the area on two wheels...like "Big Daddy"

and his team from Northern Cal...let's just say that there were times when the weather was just a bit "unpredictable"...but, hey, what the hell, we've all been wet before...(some of us had to fly in due to time constraints and schedules...or, as was the case with me and JQ, some of us are just getting too old and feeble to make a ride of more than, oh, say, about 15 or 20 miles in a day anymore...).

The park setting where the events were held...the bars that the local brothers took us to...the food...the drink...the cordial and ever-helpful prospects...the brotherhood...it was all perfect! I'd like to give a special word of thanks for the four great bands that the Ohio bunch lined up as entertainment...this was a rockin' assortment of great local talent...pure biker energy...the perfect soundtrack to a cool weekend!

Thanks again...lots of love and respect to chapter 12 for a great Spring National!

-BILL HAYES