Motorcycle Rallies: Why I Don't Participate

My take on the major motorcycle rallies Sturgis, Laconia, and Daytona.  Those who attend these rallies enjoy them; some go every year.  It's a hobby that really has nothing to do with riding a motorcycle.  Sure the bike plays an important part, but it really isn't the main reason why people go to Sturgis.  It is, for the most part, a big street party.   I started riding motorcycles when I was 10 years old first dirt bikes, then metric street bikes.  When I was younger, I used to say I'd never own a Harley.  There are better-performing motorcycles, no doubt. What those bikes are not is a piece of America.   

The Harley Davidson really is an American Flag on 2 wheels.  Eventually, I gave into the lore of the Harley Davidson motorcycle.  I've ridden these big V twin bikes across the United States a couple of times. You can't beat the comfort.  The deep-throated roar of that big V Twin is intoxicating.  There is a cultural connection you don't get with other motorcycles.  The dealerships are like clubhouses.   A place where everyone knows your name.   I have been to Sturgis it wasn't during a Rally.  I stopped primarily out of curiosity.  I understand why people would like to attend, but it's only a small part of the motorcycle world.  

Me personally, I don't like crowds. I've always been kind of a loner most of my life. So part of the reason I ride is to get away from everything and everyone.  It is the most incredible feeling in the world being on a motorcycle alone in the middle of Kansas on US Highway 36.  It's just you, the bike and blooming sunflower fields as far as the eye can see.  The motorcycle world is a diverse place. Everyone rides for their own reasons.  If you don't ride, you will never understand. 

Eggplant: A Trip Back to the Middle East

Growing up, we never had Eggplant.  Never really knew what it was. So when I saw it in the grocery store, produce section.  I said to myself, what the heck is that.  

My thoughts on Eggplant are this, it's an acquired taste.  I never had tasted Eggplant until I was in my 30's. Then, at a street cafe in Tel Aviv, Israel, they brought me an appetizer plate that included Baba Ganoush. Which is nothing more than Hummus with Eggplant instead of chickpeas.  

Eggplant is a staple in Greece, the middle east, and India.  In Germany, Greek restaurants are just like Mexican Restaurants; they are everywhere, and so are Moussaka and Eggplant.  I ordered Moussaka a few times, which is an upside-down greek casserole made with Eggplant.  It was delicious; my first thoughts were, man, look at what I have been missing. 

This was when I developed a taste for this exotic vegetable.  I have made Moussaka and eggplant lasagna.  Eggplant brings back memories of travel throughout the Middle East. There was that Eggplant salad on the hotel buffet in Kuwait City. In Afghanistan, our Indians that I worked with used it in many dishes.

This summer, we had a friend bring us over 10 eggplants.   When she brought these over, my first reaction was, what the heck am I going to do with all this Egg Plant.  Well, I wanted to let you know I figured it out. I'm going to use 3 small ones to make Baba Ganoush.  Baba is nothing more than Hummus made with Eggplant instead of chickpeas. So tomorrow it's eggplant lasagna.  I made two; one went into the freezer.