Guinness World Record Book

We Made History and Broke Records on an Epic Ride

 

Along with fellow Badger Nation riders,

I am in the Guinness World Record Book.

 

 

Introductions

If you are new here, welcome and please allow me to introduce myself. My name is Michelle Wishart. I am the author of The Russian Hit. My friends call me Bell, with Bells Rides.

Between my formal careers as a Heavy Equipment Contractor and Long Haul Commercial Driver, I was a Private Investigator for three years.

On the Road

During the long hours on the road, I tapped into my experience as a PI with real-life stories turned into a fictional series. After I retired, I completed my first book, The Russian Hit. During this time, I also formed my Publishing Company, Traveled full time in my RV and rode some Epic Rides. We begin with The World Record Poker Run.  

Day 3

On day three of the “World Record Poker Run” we travel from Little Rock, Arkansas to Eureka Springs, Arkanas. We rode through the Ozark National Forest on the “Pig Trail”. The Pig Trail is a nineteen mile stretch of Arkansas Route 23.  They say its name was derived from the numerous curves resembling a pig’s tail. With turns, twists and switchbacks, it was my kind of riding, even if I was towards the back of the pack.

Riding towards the back of the pack was something I had to get used to. Usually, the only one in front of me when I ride, if I’m not Lone Wolfing it is my husband, Andy. And our riding styles are very similar, especially on winding roads. We ride Balls to the walls! The farther you are in the pack the slower you go, which is what I had to get used to. 

You see, where we come from we had back roads, country roads and highways that are a lot like the “Pig Trail” or “Tail of the dragon” It’s the type of riding we grew up on and love..

There is nothing better than a motorcycle ride on a twisty road. It’s all about the push and pull of the handlebars and leaning into a turn. It’s about shifting down, going into the curve in the road and twisting the grip as you pull out of the curve. It’s about the feel of the wind on your face and the rumble between your legs. It’s about the deep, throaty sound of your pipes.

The Pace

Getting to know the riding pace of a long line of riders may have been a challenge for me, but it was a challenge well worth the effort. 

The memories and friendships created by this ride will last a lifetime. I otherwise would not have had, had I not “learned” the pace of the group of riders. Also, getting to know them on a personal level has been rewarding still to this day. The shenanigans on the shoulder breaks or at gas stations (Join me in Part 4 for shenanigans)  are some of my favorite memories as well. 

Next Epic Ride

Angie (Momma Badger) posed a question the other day while announcing another EPIC (Four Corners) ride they are planning. She asked those of us who had ridden with them on rides they have planned, how did they do regard to planning the event? I recalled all the times they were the last to leave the hotel each morning and the last to go to bed each night.

One might assume this was because they stayed up too late, thus they slept in the next day. This couldn’t be farther from the truth. They were the last to go to bed each night because they awaited each of the riders to safely reach the hotel. And they were the last to leave the hotel the next morning because they made sure each rider successfully hit the road for the next leg. They also had a business to run while on the road as well, including but not limited to Rider Down obligations.  

Momma Badger

You have heard of the term Momma Bear? The term comes from hell has no fury like a momma bear separated from her cub. Or you mess with the cub, you get the momma bear. You have not seen the protectiveness of a Momma Badger. Angie, aka Momma Badger is the epitome of a Momma Badger.

I’m not sure if all one hundred and forty something riders were aware of this but each of them had a Momma Badger who worried for their safety. Who worried for their enjoyment of the ride, and who worried for their success in completing the ride. You also had a cheerleader in your corner, cheering for your success.

I know this from personal experience, after the longest day of the trip, my lone wolf run from Amarillo, Texas to Durango, Colorado, but this is the next story of the World Record Poker Run, in “The Road to Sturgis Part4”

 

The crazy idea of the  World Record Poker Run was conceived by Sonny Badger.  Sonny and Angie are also the founders of Support Bikers. Support Bikers is a non-profit organization designed to help bikers in need, with resources they may not otherwise receive. I urge you to check out their website and donate if you can. The proceeds go to injured bikers when involved in an accident. 

About The Author