2 Wheel Passport + BMW Motorcycles

BMW Motorcycles has joined up with 2 Wheel Passport for some of the most amazing routes we will be taping this season!

As we tackle part of the Pacific Coast Highway, we'll have G 650 X's and Helli Kornton as our special guest Guide.

Flash over to the East Coast and we'll have the incomparable Nate Kern joining us as a special Guide as we give it our all to tame the Tail of the Dragon on F 800's.

And then, land speed record holder Andy Sills joins us on K 1200 R Sport’s as we journey to the motherland of speed.....Bonneville.

....stay tuned because the action is just beginning...

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A Purple Bike & Amusing Sites

The Illustrious One is having his bike tricked out by Vida Loca Customs. They've done a lot of fabrication work and a custom paint job. You check out the results yourself at: http://www.2wheelpassport.com/bike

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If you like your iPod and you like your home computer sites like www.Launch.com (music site that learns what songs you like), then check out www.Slacker.com. This site is similar to Launch but in a few short weeks it will work with your iPod like devices to and everytime you are near a WiFi connection it will update itself automaticall.

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Personally, I don't watch American Idol. But for those that do, www.VoteForTheWorst.com is a rallying point for all of those that are hardcore voters for the underdogs. Supposedly this site helped the guy from last season win the event.


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Take Responsibility

Today I was in Bonham checking on the progress for one of the bikes being used in 2 Wheel Passport. During my visit I received a call from someone who worked the North Texas Rock Rally with me wanting to know what I knew about Earth Day Jam and GL's invovlement.

I replied that I knew nothing as I hadn't spoken to GL since at least August of last year.

This person went on to tell me that the Earth Day Jam has supposedly been moved from Dallas to Los Angeles because Texas Stadium was double booked with another event. This person took the initiative to call Texas Stadium and it turns out it's not booked for anything the day in question for April (next month).

So then they call the LA Forum and was informed a tentative hold has been placed but nothing has been secured.

This person also went on to say how GL has been bashing me for months as one of the reasons the North Texas Rock Rally failed and also how I was responsible for the failure of some "bike event benefiting kids."

I had to think on that second one for a moment and asked if he was referring to the Million Dollar Ride that happened last autumn? He didn't know the name of the event in question - he just restated that I was being blamed by GL for it's failure.

My reply to all of this -- "Well, D******, all I have to say is that I haven't spoken to GL since August, I received the same notice that probably everyone else did from the attorneys saying that North Texas Rock Rally couldn't pay it's bills and that my outstanding invoice wouldn't be paid and as so far as Million Dollar Ride - the only thing I did for that was offer feedback when it was asked."

We then went on to chat about an event I helped out with the weekend before last called the North Texas Irish Festival -- 3 day event with 46,000 attendees. I told him how impressed I was with the management of the event, how well the staff and volunteers were treated, the amazing hospitality area for the staff & volunteers, etc. etc.

Now the kicker to all of this is that Marsha Singer is the event director for almost every major event in Dallas and GL had been trying like the dickens to secure her involvement for Earth Day Jam to no avail. Marsha is the person that called me at the last minute to help with the Irish Festival because one of her key people was dealing with a death in the immediate family.

Kind of odd that the premiere event director in town calls me in but yet one of the less than stellar event directors is going out of his way to bash me?

To top this off, on a certain networking site I am a member of, the following comments were left for me in relation to the Rock Rally:

Sponsors / Media / Builders at North Texas Rock Rally

2 recommendations for this position:

“She admirably and diplomatically resolved MANY problems with sponsors and builders that could havve been VERY volatile. She thinks fast on her feet and isn't afraid to take control. I'll bring her in whenever I can.” July 27, 2006

Tigger Liddell, Man. Partner, ThunderKitty Productions LLC
managed Raine indirectly at North Texas Rock Rally

“Working with Raine was a breath of fresh air... she was highly efficient as well as highly effective in her role... a professional through and through as she handled anything that was thrown at her with tolerant grace. I highly recommend her services!” July 26, 2006

Andie Jones, Entertainment Director, North Texas Rock Rally
worked with Raine at North Texas Rock Rally

Joel Osteen said recently that whenever someone is talking poorly about you, you should look at it as a blessing. God knows what's being said and will doubly bless you as a way of making up for the trash talking by others. I like the thought of that -- so keep trash talking me and I'll keep reaping the blessings.

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Catching Up.....

So I've been quite lax at updating the blog. In fact, it's been exactly 2 months since my last update and I've never allowed more than a week to elapse. Suffice to say that things have been busy. Since the last update, I had a birthday on January 13; The Illustrious One and I went to Cincinnati for the V-Twin Expo and it was a brisk 7 degrees; a few days later I found myself in Orlando at a warm 70 degrees then back to Dallas in time for more snow.

Things are whipping along at a fast pace on 2 Wheel Passport. BMW is involved as is Fender Guitars. I hope to make other announcements soon.

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Oh and happy happy joy joy, some chap has a blog and I am the #1 Most Bangable Babe for the month of March.

I have no idea who this guy is but I think it's a compliment! You can check out his blog at: http://www.bangableblogbabes.blogspot.com/.

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At the last minute I was called in to help out at the North Texas Irish Festival last weekend - seems there aren't many people that have experience on the event management side or know how to handle a load-in. I must say it was the calmest and most undramatic event I've ever been part of. 46,000 attendees showed up -- and kudos to NTIF for having one of the best hospitality areas I've ever seen.

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Next weekend is the Greenville Avenue St. Patricks Day Parade -- and The Illustrious One should finally have his bike back. It's been a long time since he dropped it off in November but it's looking quite fantastic!

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In sad news, John Ingman who played Mr. Humphries in Are You Being Served passed away.



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Americans: Successfully Offending the World Population, One Conference Call At a Time!

So since Teri is up in yankee land now, I suggested she could start writing her column again for www.2wheelpassport.com. Her reply? "But this is more work!" I replied with sending her a screen capture showing the stats of the site visitors in the past few hours and let her know that she will be able to successfully offend, entertain and tantalize people in New Zealand, Canada, Asia and Europe in addition to everyone she already offends stateside and in Finland.

I also let her know that yesterday our friend Jimbo managed to offend a bunch of Koreans during a conference call. Granted, he didn't eloquently tell the guy his idea "was fucked" as Teri has been known to do at a conference table full of Finns, but needless to say there is yet another batch of foreigners out there who are ranting about the "rude Americans".

Given the stories I hear from some of the people I know, I find it odd that The Illustrious One thinks I can be abrasive at times. I've been known the throw phones against walls due to being very "exhasperated" but I've never managed to offend an entire group of people from another nationality -- at least, not to their face.

But, I am a girl from the South, so give me time. I'm sure under the right circumstances I could stir up quite the international incident and knowing my luck it will all be on tape so it can be shown for time immortal on YouTube.

And now we have a film that is coming out in early March that I personally am looking forward to seeing:

Women Riders Now

Today 2 Wheel Passport is the top story on the popular site Women Riders Now.

I emailed Teri to let her know she was becoming famous!

Check out the story at:
www.womenridersnow.com



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The Latest News on "2 Wheel Passport"

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NEW MOTORCYCLE TRAVEL SERIES “2 WHEEL PASSPORT” TO BE BROADCASTED VIA ONLINE TELEVISION NETWORK

Show’s producer Banned Breed Productions signs with iCB

DALLAS – November 27, 2006 – Dallas-based Banned Breed Productions, the television production company behind the new travel series “2 Wheel Passport,” has awarded online broadcasting rights of the show to InCommand Broadcasting Inc. (iCB). iCB is a division of Nations Broadband Corporation, a privately held telecommunications corporation which has operated worldwide for more than 15 years.

“2 Wheel Passport,” which will take viewers to various scenic destinations across the United States on a motorcycle, was initially broadcasted in Europe where it was a hit travel/destination program. Banned Breed Productions will begin filming the U.S. version of “2 Wheel Passport” in early 2007. They are working in tandem with London-based Hub TV, the producer of the original European show.

“With the advent of devices such as iPod videos and the increasing popularity of sites such as YouTube.com, we are seeing that the web is allowing freedom for productions that have not been available via mainstream broadcasters,” said Raine Devries, co-producer of ‘2 Wheel Passport.’ “Broadcasting ‘2 Wheel Passport’ on the web enables us to immediately target viewers around the world because the series will be available 24 hours a day. In addition, we now have a full hour in length rather than the 46 minutes available on traditional channels – which increases the content time by 24%. It’s a big world to see on two wheels – but it’s getting smaller every day due to the fast changes in technology.”

The Wall Street Journal recently heralded the arrival of web-based TV programming with an article headlined ‘Made-for-Web Shows are the Next Big Thing” (Oct.31, 2006). In that article, the national news publication highlighted a select group of web TV upstarts and the increased interest generated among national brands looking to reach new audiences.

Each episode of “2 Wheel Passport” will be available to watch online at 2WheelPassport.com and for download onto iPods and MP3s. Route maps, itineraries, GPS coordinates, and restaurant and lodging recommendations will also be available for download to navigation systems, computers and other devices. This allows the viewer to literally take the show with them as they travel to the same destinations and enables them to locate specific routes, sights and stopping places that they wish to experience for themselves.

About “2 Wheel Passport”
The series “2 Wheel Passport” was initially broadcast in Europe in 2003 and is now beginning U.S. production for broadcast to a global market. The new incarnation will take advantage of today’s rapidly changing technology by utilizing the web to provide downloadable GPS maps, restaurant and lodging reviews and making the series available for download to iPods and computers. Up to date series details are available at Banned Breed Productions -- www.bannedbreed.com.

About iCB and Nation’s Broadband Corporation
In-Command Broadcasting is a division of Nations Broadband Corporation, a privately held corporation which has operated worldwide for over 15 years. It was founded with a vision of enhancing worldwide telecommunication services, as well as the telecommunications power of the Internet by integrating and developing cutting edge services and technologies for the communications revolution. The company was founded by telecommunications industry veterans with proven track records of successful ventures. Since the telecom industry’s deregulation, Nations has been instrumental in providing reliable state of the art broadcasting, telecommunication, technology, and Internet-based services to business all over the world. In fact, Nations is recognized, approved, certified and tariffed by the FCC and the States’ Public Utility Commissions, and other worldwide organizations.

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Deep Thoughts...

Some people think I'm odd because I carry hand sanitizer with me everywhere. I prefer the kind from Bath & Body Works because it's often on sale for $2.50, an assortment of fragrances, comes in gel and lotion options and has moisturizing beads embedded. I'm told it's weird for a biker girl to be so anti-germs.

Well, for what it's worth, there is at least one other Texan who takes it even more seriously than I. A couple nights ago a man was at a bar called Tumbleweeds in Ft. Worthless, saw another patron use the mens room and didn't wash his hands after tucking Mr. Johnson away. This man berated the nasty guy and ended up stabbing him 4 times. Nasty man lived and the other man is in jail.

Ah ha! See -- it's not just me.

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So the Russians are still at it? Russian President Vladimir Putin is saying the death of Alexander Litvinenko wasn't "that painful."

WTF? The guy died a brutal death over 3 weeks from radiation poisoning from a substance that is so rare less than 100 grams a year are produced every year world wide, there are traces of this substance at the restaurant and hotel Litvinenko was at before he became so ill.

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The College Republicans at Boston University have caused quite the bru-ha-ha with their $250 Caucasian Achievement & Recognition Scholarship. A BU student must be at least 1/4 caucasian in order to apply and write 2 essays.

Evidentally, it's ok to have race specific scholarships for blacks, latins, indians, etc. etc., but not caucasians. Seems rather discriminatory to have race specific scholarships but if it's ok for everyone else, why shouldn't it be ok for caucasians?

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So today I stopped by A Bikers Christmas that my friend Tigger is holding at Market Hall -- naturally and gun & knife show is being held in the next hall - and I met some interesting people. Amongst some of the females I spoke with at the booths, was the topic of "Do girls who ride like to perpetuate this "bitch, rode hard & put up wet, let's flash our boobs at everyone" mentality?

No.

If I want to see topless women, I'll go to a strip club or pull up an web site -- but since I don't bat for that team the only time I go to a strip club is when KZPS is having an event at Silver City.

I don't think it's cute or funny to be called a bitch -- even if a another female does it. That makes about as much sense is a blacks calling one another "niggas".

I think it just boils down to the concept that if you don't treat yourself with respect, why should anyone else?

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Ch-ch-changes at Exile Cycles: So if you've ever dealt with Exile, you've probably dealt with Dan Hugh-Jones. For reasons, I don't know at this point, is no longer with Exile. He's going to chill for a couple weeks and then jump into his next adventure.

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While on the topic of British boys in LA - there is a certain someone that will probably be doing all the music for 2 Wheel Passport. I was doing some researching online and found a "fan's" web site -- this fan is a 46 year old woman in Pittsburg.

Some of her recent comments included her realization that some of his lyrics made references to drug use and she now wonders how she could have ever been a fan.

She also said that the articles seem to say very little and that maybe he is nothing more than a "beautiful bimbo".

I guess the concept that he might want to keep his personal life personal, never dawned on her.

She also critiqued the fact that he was in Philadelphia or Pittsburg a few months ago with one of the bands he performs in and even though it's been 4 years since she's seen him, she held out hope that there might be something between them?

Did this 46 year old groupie expect him to ring her up? Has he been pining away for her all this time? With the thousands of people he's been exposed to just this year on the US and European tours, he's got no one else to think of?

Could be but not likely.

I speak to him on the phone about once every 2 weeks and I know a fair amount about his history - as a working relationship, if he was a male bimbo I wouldn't have anything to do with him. But from a working standpoint, he's dead on.

Why do girls act so ridiculous when it comes to the boys in the bands? Things that make you go "Hmmmm..."


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Idle Ramblings....

Yesterday I finally took some time to myself after 2 weeks of non-stop motorcycle stuff. I went to go see A Good Year starring Russell Crowe. I went because one of my favourite authors, Peter Mayle, wrote the book. Usually I am hesitatnt about seeing films from books I like -- several years later and I am still horribly disappointed that Clint Eastwood did such a lousy job with In The Garden of Good & Evil -- what a fantastic book that was!

Anyway, so the general storyline was maintained and the cinematography was fabulous. Provence was just a visual dream. I recommend it.

I still want to see Borat -- it looks silly funny.

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Today I went to Chiliepepperama which is held at Old Town (Greenville @ Lovers) that my friend Marsha is the event director for. I thought I was just stopping by for an hour or so - ended up staying 5 hours. I guess one of the challenges of knowing a little bit about the events business is that others in that world know it also so you get wrangled into service.

I kept receiving swag, tequilla shots and margaritas and I also tried various chilies -- though one was like a meat wasabi...hot! The boys at KZPS were all over me like bees on honey - I've protested attending their events due to the Magoo situation. Landon took me on at Atari Pong -- one of the original machines from God only knows how long ago! He won -- but in my defense the damn paddle could have been a bit more receptive and quicker!

Lots of people kept coming up to me complimenting the article in the Dallas Business Journal. Since I was out of town the weeks it was on the stands, this was the first time I was confronted by so many people that had read it.

One odd thing is that some people kept looking at me like they knew me - but I don't know why because I didn't recognize them. And I doubt it was my bike jacket because other people on bikes were there.

I did have an amusing conversation with one of the guys there -- he asked if I listened to Steppenwolf and I told him him I was more likely to be listening to Scissor Sisters' Filthy/Gorgeous than Born to be Wild.

And that made me think -- I would really like to see 2 Wheel Passport convey more about today's bikers. I certainly can't be the only person bored to tears with the same music playlist at bike events or shows -- Steppenwolf, Molly Hatchet, ZZ Top, etc. Nothing against those bands - it's just so expected. But as luck would have it, 2WP has someone very dynamic in place to handle the music.


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2 Wheel Passport and Rantings About Houston...

I'm excited...I'm daunted and I'm being told that the buzz in the industry is rampant about this show "2 Wheel Passport". Ha ha....no pressure. The good thing is that many people are confirming that the timing is perfect for this show.

We were very fortunate to have a story on us in last week's Dallas Business Journal. When The Illustrious One and I went by the bookstore to see how things turned out, he said he heard me gasp from about 15' away. Our publicist had already told us we would be on page 4, but what I was not expecting was to see The Illustrious One sharing space with the masthead, and as Jubin said, "Dude, you are above the fold!"

Very high profile placement indeed. And I daresay that tricked out purple Harley of his definitely woke some people up when they got their DBJ's that week!

There wreen't any posting last week on this blog because I was in Galveston at the Lone Star Rally. Suffice to say that I will never work another rally again. After dealing with the cluster f*ck that was the North Texas Rock Rally in July and then what happened last week, I've officially had my fill.

See, I have this weird theory that it takes just as much energy to be polite to someone as it does to be rude. Last Saturday I sat on the curb of Harborside and told Tigger Liddell some of the antics going on. He said I had no business being down there -- get back to Dallas and let those boys in Houston alone to muddle things up. I got home as soon as I could!

Since I have no confidentiality agreements signed, I've decided to write a tell all article as soon as The Illustrious One gives me clearance to start updating www.2WheelPassport.com again -- which I hope will be soon!

Another thing I noticed about Houston, for the most part chivalry is dead. Men in Dallas are polite more often than not -- they hold doors, they say "thank you", and they would be horrified if they were able bodied and a girl was doing the work.

Houston? Oh God. Chivalry is so dead in that region I think it never existed. Houston is smoggy, lousy drivers, they have a fixation with this funky lime green coloured salsa, the guys are rude and the women aren't much better.

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USA Today

I was mentioned again in an article - though my comment was an excerpt from the original - it is featured in USA Today's Small Business Connection.

Initially I was commenting on the fall out of the "dot.com" bust in late 2000 / early 2001, but I suppose the one paragraph utilized fit best for the overall theme of the article.

You can read it here.



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