Dreamy Tattooed Girl Laying in Bed

Dreamy Tattooed Girl Laying in Bed

So Cute!

Follow Kimmycruz to the biggest, baddest rallies in the USA

THIS IS THE OFFICIAL      Kimmycruz  BLOG

                                                                    

 

photographer, model, bartender, 

and promoter for more than a decade

at the biggest and baddest rallies the 

USA has to offer.

I love everybody, and just being Kimmycruz makes me happier than I've ever been in my life.

Now fans can follow Kimmycruz across the USA at her "official blog" for photo updates and rally stories, linked to Kimmycruz.com.

Read the latest story about Kimmycruz, online at  Barnett's Harley Davidson Magazine

 

Story by Wendy Manning, Photos courtesy of Kimmy Cruz's private collection

Michael Ballard's Full Throttle Saloon has been the subject of a reality series on truTV called, appropriately, Full Throttle Saloon. Unlike other rally documentaries this one stayed with Ballard and his Full Throttle crew the whole time, giving us an insider's view of what it really takes to run the self-proclaimed "World' Largest Biker Bar" during the make-it or break-it ten day event. If you were a fan of the show, you more than likely caught a few glimpses of Kimmy Cruz.

Kimmy lives in Mabank, Texas, with her boyfriend Christian Dotson, with whom she has a hot rod shop where Christian builds hot rods, custom cars, and custom motorcycles. But she’s spent enough time tending bar at the Sturgis Rally to give us an insider’s view of what it takes to serve the thousands of bikers who attend the rally each year. “I’ve worked in Sturgis for nine years, but I’ve worked for Michael Ballard at Full Throttle off and on since 2003,” she said. “It’s a total trip, there’s nothing else like it.”

Kimmy started out selling ads for various motorcycle magazines. “In addition to that, I began writing stories and doing photography, as well as marketing and promotion,” she explained. “From there, I met so many people because I was out and about at all the major rallies, and I ended up modeling for all the top builders.” She started her bartending career at Broken Spoke Saloon during the 2002 Daytona Bike Week. When Broken Spoke owner Jay Allen asked her tend bar, she was apprehensive because she’d never tended bar before. “He told me I could just crack open the beer, I wouldn’t have to serve liquor or anything. He brought out a ’57 Chevy and set me up with a beer tub. We were so packed—I had so much fun. I served ninety-six cases of beer in four hours. I didn’t know what to think.” But it didn’t take long for Kimmy to figure out that having made $900 in tips during those four hours, tending bar at bike rallies was a great way for her to supplement her income. “What would I say, no? I said bring it on, because I knew I could work and make extra money on top of being a sales rep. I ended up fading out the sales rep job because I figured why am I doing this for other people when they’re making thousands of dollars off me? I made a better income as a bar tender at bike rallies.”

Kimmy took three months off to educate herself on the art and nuances of bartending, upgrading her photography skills, and building a website for herself, her photography, and her modeling career. That was nearly nine years ago, and she’s been going strong ever since.

Kimmy goes to rallies that draw 400,000 people and more. “I picked at least six different locations where I knew I could make money. I introduced myself to every vender and took photos of them, and I try to promote everyone across the board, whether they’re a client, a vender, a bar owner, a customer, or a friend,” she said. “I made sure I made lots of friends and I helped out wherever I could. So all these people were seeing me. That’s how I met Michael Ballard. I was a model for aftermarket retailer Dennis Kirk at the time.” Kimmy was set up at the Dennis Kirk booth on the Full Throttle property, and she says Michael asked when she planned to work for him as a bartender. “At that time I wasn’t working full time, I was trying different things, so in 2007 I went to work at Full Throttle. It’s an awesome atmosphere. Everybody loves Full Throttle.”

Being a bartender at Full Throttle isn’t all fun and games, however. Bartenders work very hard. If you watched the show on truTV, you know that surveillance cameras catch all the action at each bar, and the security team is watching every move the staff makes. You saw employees go through the rigorous hiring process, and you probably some of them being “let go” before the rally was over. As a bartender customers are allowed to photograph you, and you’re required to comply and you cannot charge money for photographs taken.

But Kimmy says despite the hard work, working as a rally bartender helps her to make contacts to other jobs. “Plus, I get to meet all the top builders,” she said. “I get to meet Ron Finch, Billy Lane, and Jesse James, all of them really. And they’ve always been super nice to me.”

So making good money, having fun and making friends, tending bar at major bike rallies is something Kimmy highly recommends. But the competition is steep. “They don’t call you or anything,” she explained. “To get back with Full Throttle I’ll have to go through the application process just like everybody else.”

To check out Kimmy Cruz, or ask her advice on how to get started as a rally bartender, visit her website at kimmycruz.com.

New Harley-Davidson Forty-Eight Model. A True City Brawler

Just about everyone involved in the motorcycle industry connects over their morning coffee to add their 2-cents at the  Cyril Huze Blog -- but this commentary on the newest Harley-Davidson Forty-Eight Model drew a whopping 82 comments!

You will find a link to his blog in "favorite links" on my blog because, indeed, it's a favorite. ~ MJ Lloyd-Reynolds, BikeweekNews Blogger, Motorcycle Event News.

Bouncing Souls Indian Larry Tribute

Cycle Source Magazine Indian Larry Five Long Years - Commemorative Issue. Special thanks to Tom Zimberoff, Clay Patrick McBride and Bobby Seeger for the photos. And to The Bouncing Souls for the perfect sound track. Source: Cycle Source Magazine Video Vault. The commemorative issue was released January 2010 and is available at CycleSource.com

2010 Dakar Rally - Buenos Aires Race to South Africa

The 32st running of the Dakar Rally began and will end in Buenos Aires, covering a looping 9,000 kilometers between Argentina and Chile over 14 stages. 362 Teams began the race with 176 motorcycles and quad bikes, 134 cars, and 52 trucks. The race is just over halfway completed now, the winners expected to cross the finish line on January 16th. Collected here are several photographs from the first 8 stages of this year's rally. (37 photos total)

Spain's Gerard Farres Guell kicks up sand with his Aprilia during the 4th stage of the Dakar 2010 between Fiambala, Argentina, and Copiapo, Chile on January 5, 2010. Spain's Marc Coma won the stage, France's David Casteu took the second place and France's Cyril Despres the third. (GABRIEL BOUYS/AFP/Getty Images)

Amaterasu.

Long time client Christoffer is back after a longer break for travels and such. I am delighted!
The posting in the near future will be mostly visual since I am way deep into the publishing and book world.
Please see the links for Kofuu-Senju Publishers, a book creating effort by Horimatsu (Matti Sedholm) and Horikitsune (Alex Reinke).

We will try to maintain control of our publications through every step. This means that they will be photographed by us, written by us (sometimes with guests), designed by us and published by us.

THE MARVELS PROJECT #5

(click images to enlarge)

In stores tomorrow from Marvel Comics - THE MARVELS PROJECT #5.

Click here for a preview.

Special Commemorative Indian Larry Edition

It’s been five years since the custom motorcycle scene lost one of their greatest talents. Indian Larry was the man, and the story of his life was as unique as the motorcycles he built in his Brooklyn shop.

Larry lived life on his terms and touched many people as he blazed a trail across the chopper culture. Now, to mark this five year anniversary, Indian Larry Motorcycles and Cycle Source Magazine have joined forces to release a commemorative issue in his honor titled “Five Long Years.” 

You can get all the details at the Cycle Source Magazine website, and while you are there, you can listen to some great Generation Next - Open Road Radio.

Indian Larry Special Edition - Cycle Source Magazine

Lisa Ballard - The Shiny Side

What I am wearing

CALIFORNIA - Jan. 12th blog entry by Lisa Ballard - The Shiny Side. "I am quite the fashionista. Got my shiny Biltwell helmet, Licks Cycles goggles, Black Sunshine Custom hoodie and my warm DB Custom Leather jacket with fabulous embroidery work from Jason at Iron Thread."

I am looking forward to meeting my "west coast sister" at Daytona Bike Week 2010.

Single & Social - Daytona Bike Week 2010

2010 Daytona Bike Week
BikerOrNot Meet & Greet Schedule


BikerOrNot online dating website has announced three "meet and greet" events during Daytona Bike Week 2010.


The official rally kicks off on Friday, February 26th and runs until March 7, 2010.


Meet & Greet # 1 is on Monday, March 1 at Hooters on (US 92) International Speedway Blvd., across the street and just west of Daytona International Speedway.

Daytona Hooters

2100 W International Speedway Blvd
Daytona Beach, FL 32114-1219
(386) 238-0650

Sponsor is Kawboy and Triker Joe
Over 230 BikerOrNot members attending.

Meet & Greet #2  is on Friday March 5 at the Broken Spoke, north of Daytona Beach.
BON members will meet up at 2 p.m. by the Lick Her Bar under the huge oak tree.

Broken Spoke Saloon

1151 N US Highway 1 ·
Ormond Beach, FL 32174

Sponsor: Emrldeyz
Over 225 BON members attending


Meet & Greet # 3 is on Saturday, March 6 at the Iron Horse.

Iron Horse Saloon

1068 N US Highway 1
Ormond Beach, FL 32174-4200
(386) 677-1550

Over 300 BON members attending

The Loop Ride - March 3rd -  If you're attending Daytona Bike Week then you don't want to miss the Loop Ride. TrikerJoe is organizing the ride again this year and there are already 100 BON Members signed up for the ride. Click below for details and to join the ride: http://www.bikerornot.com/loopride


BikerOrNot (BON) is a social network and dating site for motorcycle enthusiasts worldwide, founded by James Plouf, Marco Polo Publications, Inc. 475 Central Avenue, Suite 302, Saint Petersburg, FL 33701.

Rollin With Romy - Destination Daytona

Help put a wounded soldier back on the road and send him to a hero’s welcome at Daytona Bike Week in March! A "Rollin With Romy Poker Run" Jan. 24th from the Tampa Bay area to Destination Daytona will kick off fundraising events in January, February and March. Details:  Rollin With Romy Poker Run

In the fall of 2008, Romulo “Romy” Camargo, a career Special Forces Army warrant officer, was on his third combat tour in Afghanistan when his Special Forces Detachment was ambushed. Romy was shot in the neck but miraculously survived thanks to the Green Beret medics who were able to save his life. He was evacuated to medical facilities in Germany and then on to Walter Reed Hospital in Washington, D.C.

Romy Camargo (center in picture) is paralyzed from his shoulders down. After a year in the VA hospital he is recovering some of the personal freedom we all too often take for granted -- like breathing without the assistance of a machine.

He is now maneuvering his wheelchair by pushing a joystick with his mouth, and moving back home to be with his family. One major hurdle remains – getting back on his motorcycle.

Source of this article and help is also coming from Post 911 Foundation

Izzy Izquierdo, Romy’s long time friend and Special Forces teammate, is building a bike/sidecar combination at his shop near Fort Bragg, North Carolina. The goal is to get the project finished in time to roll Romy into a celebration party at the Dog House Saloon in Daytona on March 4th.

To pay for construction military personnel, policemen, and firemen are joining forces to sponsor a series of Tampa Bay area fund raisers in January, February, and March.

“Rollin with Romy Poker Run” on Jan 23rd. begins and ends at Lebowski Barber Shop on Channelside Drive in Tampa.

Kickstands up at noon. A $10 donation covers the poker run, entertainment, and food. Following the ride relax in the “man cave”, hang out with Bubba the Love Sponge, listen to rock and roll, get a massage, get your bike detailed, buy a cigar, play Texas hold ‘em with the gang from Stogie Castillos, enjoy the Coyote Ugly dancers live on stage, and get a haircut. The beautiful girls from Lebowski will donate $10 from every cut toward Romy’s bike.

RSVP this event: Rollin With Romy Poker Run

 

Horimatsu Film.

Deshi Micael has started filming around the studio with his new Canon 7D. You can watch the first film here

Myrtle Beach Helmet Law Challenge 'Fast Tracks' to SC Supreme Court

The Myrtle Beach helmet law challenge has been placed on the "fast track" and will be heard by the South Carolina Supreme Court at 10 a.m. Feb. 3 in Columbia.

The group, Business Owenrs Organized to Save Tourism (BOOST) said it’s encouraged by the high court’s decision to hear the case and not let it go through the courts first.

The City of Myrtle Beach told local News 13 that it’s fine with the case going on the “fast track” because the case was always expected to end up in the high court.


SC Supreme Court to hear Myrtle Beach helmet ordinance lawsuit SCNow

Goodbye to '09

Breaking the Surface, Filling the Lungs. Action!

Finally a working version of the Kofuu-Senju Publisher's website is up and running! In the next few weeks more information on various topics will be added, so check back when you have time and inclination to do so.

Work on the first book project, "Kokoro", a portrait of Master Horiyoshi III is progressing nicely.
Me and Horikitsune will return to Japan this spring to continue the collecting of photography and insights that was started last fall.
Besides "Kokoro" we have a number of projects and publications lined up for the years to come, so rest assured that we will be around for some time. Hopefully our work will tell the stories that we see as we look around within our personal universes, and hopefully you'll want to share those glimpses of the floating world with us.

Happy New Year - From South Florida Ride for Kids

South Florida Riders - Mark Your Calendars!

Sent: Fri, January 1, 2010 6:30:05 AM
Subject: HAPPY NEW YEAR ! !

Hello Mary,

The South Florida Ride for Kids task force would like to wish you a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year. Please help us provide the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation kids with the same outlook by joining us on our 2010 South Florida Ride for Kids being held on Sunday February 14th, 2010 at the Coral Springs SportsPlex. Please make our Kids your 2010 Valentine and save a life.

We need YOU. The kids need YOU.


If you are unable to attend but wish to make a donation in support of the kids, please click here: http://www.firstgiving.com/sfrideforkids

South Florida Ride for Kids Website: http://www.sfrideforkids.org/?idx=1202
The South Florida Ride for Kids Task Force

So the New Year begins and as always, there's a tingling of expectations in the Horimatsu gut.
The delayed website for Kofuu-Senju Publications will soon be up and running, and the work on the first book to be published, "kokoro", is going well. Other book projects and ideas are lined up and awaiting progress. I will let you know as soon as the site is up.

2010 will have many hours of tireless work on various Irezumi pieces. Some old clients are approaching completion while new ones are in the stages of planning and discussing.
I expect to be busy as usual, and wish to thank all the committed men and women that present their skin as an offering to Irezumi and becoming it. You have my sincere gratitude and I hope that my work and words can be of use to You.

(the photograph shows clearing summer sky over Kyoto)