WELLLLL, the rally for 2007 has come and gone; and what a rally it was. Sisters from Colorado, Iowa, Missouri, Alabama, Georgia, Kansas, Arkansas, North Carolina and Oklahoma attended. What a time everyone had; lots of laughing, talking and almost anything else you could think of took place, games and more games, lots of riding for the Poker Run and riding in other areas of the countryside.
The seminar from the Harley Davidson Service Manager and the seminar for Honda riders were excellent. Any question you had regarding these two machines they could answer. Both were very knowledgeable of the motorcycles. The "How to pick up a Motorcycle" demonstration was informative to say the least. Cathy Eidson from Missouri and Jody Joiner from Kansas did an excellent demonstration. Then of course there was the Bike Show; all the motorcycles were winners in my book. I did not vote because I could not decide. I learned a long time ago if you don't know, don't vote.
I must say the Talent Show was something to behold. It was put on by Oklahoma Chapter B and they recruited others for the show. We were entertained by "Elvis" (Rita) out of Oklahoma Chapter B, the singing group, "The Police" and several unknown artist from the comedy world. We also were entertained by the “Newly Wed Game” with the help of a couple of Sisters Misters. There was even a few Sisters Misters with their own shirts that said Sisters Misters in PINK. These guys must have been told some sort of lie so they would agree to wear them. I must say they were pretty sharp looking shirts (gray with small pink letters). State Director for Kansas, Jody Joiner did a fantastic reading about being a single person and State Director, Barbara Duff from Georgia recited a poem she did with her first grade class some years ago. Sandy McCann from Arkansas surprised us with a NEW SIS song, "Spirit in the Air" to the tune of the old CCR song, Bad Moon Risen. Needless to say, it was well received and will be recorded for us soon.
The vendors were all very good and had good prices. They stayed open late so we could all shop and spend money. I think the LED light guy (Mike Scott with Iron Horse Leather) was busy installing LED lights on several bikes. When he completed each bike they looked beautiful. They seemed to glow with lights all around them.
The 50/50 pot was hefty; a total of several hundred dollars was given away, along with the Poker Run money. Kerri Jones, State Director from Missouri won free rally registration for being the first SIS member registered for the rally.
After the banquet and awards presentation was over and the talent show, we had one heck of a TRICYCLE RACE; yes, TRICYCLE race…round and round the main lobby of the hotel. There were four races and then the winners squared off and raced each other. Donna Deviance, State Director from Oklahoma is very safety minded; when she raced the tricycle she wore her helmet, jacket and gloves. If you look on the web site there is a picture of her in all her glory. Someone said the seats on the trikes were a little bent; imagine that!
Speaking of clothing, the FASHION SHOW was a wonderful experience. Everyone was in their favorite riding gear and rally wear. You would need to see it to believe what we saw; not so much the clothing but the way the clothing was presented by each model in her own SPECIAL WAY.
There are so many SISTERS who helped with this rally, they all cannot be named. I know without a doubt everyone who attended donated something to make this event happen. You cannot do a rally without the help of other people. We are blessed with wonderful SISTERS who will always pitch in and get the job done. THANK YOU for your contribution and support of the SIS Rally.
It was so wonderful to meet all the SISTERS, to know what they all look like. I surprised myself and was able to tell who they were from the pictures on the web site gallery. So, keep those pictures coming to the web site. The most special thing for me was the BEAUTIFUL Indian (Cherokee) blanket that was presented to me by Marilyn Kelley from the membership of SIS. I was totally surprised. It will be a keepsake that I will treasure for the rest of my life, not only because of the beauty of the blanket but because it came from the SISTERS. I thank you all from the bottom of my heart and it will always be treasured.
See You Next Year!
Linda Blankenship