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Hartzke Memorial Bike Show
March 2006, Page 20
In
January and February of 1996 ABATE and Motorcyclist in general lost
a great deal. 10 Years ago Norma and Karl Hartzke were taken from
us, leaving a gigantic void that has yet to be filled. This also
marked the end of an era, "The Biker Bar", Ski's Place closed. In
honor of this 10th Anniversary, it was decided that we had to do
something, something that could honor both Mom and Dad, The Bar, and
many of those who went there and are now gone.
It had to include Motorcycles, fit the time of year that
would mean something special to those who attended and express the
joy and hardships that we all had. A bike show in January, outside
with a ride to the cemetery seemed close enough.
Dewey and I worked on this idea and added to it to make the event
worth attending. Murphy's Backyard Pub was a great help with Uncle D
pointing us in the right direction. Dewey's Son, Pup, entered the
hospital about this time and I thought I might have to run this all
alone. As it turns out Pup was able to attend late in the evening.
About the Show, there were 25 bikes, and each one deserved an
award for showing. 20 American, two of these were Customized. Five
Foreign, one was a scooter. Much of the voting was very obvious.
Dewey beat out Chris Moore's bike by one vote, a surprise. In the
Foreign Class - the Scooter took Second Place. I told him it had two
wheels and belonged in the show (It beat out my bike).
After the show was over we headed to the Cemetery for a trip down
memory lane, you might say. Few had been there in the past 10 years.
It was an unfamiliar haunt to many. As we stood there talking of the
"good old days" there was a feeling of the Brotherhood we had felt
before, one that could burst into a flame again.
To those who attended, I give my thanks. For those who have
gone, I know the wind beckoned. For those who couldn't make it,
there will be tomorrow. The only way to rekindle the flame is to get
nearer the flame. we'll do this again next year, God willing.
-English Mike
March 8, 2006
