Hello, Everyone--
I'm sure all of you are getting ready to enjoy a Merry Christmas with family
and friends.  In case you're spending any time on the computer during
Christmas Weekend, here's my January Tiger Tales article, sent early for you
to check out as we get ready to Get Our Kicks in 2006!  I want to take this
opportunity to wish all my good friends and Riding Family out there a very
Merry Christmas, a joyous Holiday Season, and best wishes for God's richest
blessings and for all Good Things in the coming New Year.  Many thanks for
your continued support and defense of Riding Freedom in 2005, both in your
home states and nationwide.  I very much look forward to us continuing to
work together to improve the Quality of Life for all motorcyclists and
trikers, and to us having lots of Good Times as we travel Life's Road.  I
also want to send along a Biker update of "A Visit From St. Nicholas"
(Thanks, Tiny--I just cleaned it up a bit--LOL).  Ride Free and Safely, TM

'TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS"

'Twas the night before Christmas, And not until Spring
Would a motor be running, not even a Wing.
The bikes are all sleeping, They're covered and warm,
Batteries are tended, nylon covers their form.
My Bros were all nestled down snug in their beds,
While visions of new chrome danced in their heads.
And I in my doo-rag, bike jacket and boots
Was out shoveling snow, and dreaming of scoots.
Then from the horizon there came such a clatter
My shovel I dropped--what could be the matter?
Away up the hill, I slogged through the snow
Looked up at the sky; where'd all that noise go?
Then a throb from the heavens, like straight pipes so hearty
Gave Summer's good thoughts, a loud Bikers' party.
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear
But a Hog Ultra Classic, Red trailer in rear!
With a little old rider, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick.
More rapid than V-Rods his Ultra came on,
And he whistled, and shouted, and sang out this song;
"Now, Springer! Now, Dyna! Now Road King and Geezer!
On Vulcan! On Trumpet! On Vict'ry and Beezer!
To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!
Now RIDE away! RIDE away! RIDE away all!"
As small bikes that from the semis do fly,
When they meet with the air blast, mount to the sky,
So up to the house-top that Ultra it flew
With a trailer of goodies, and ole' St. Nick too
And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof
The rumble and thunder of pipes that gave proof.
I ran in the house, boots thumping around,
And in came St. Nick all bearded and round
Dressed all in black leather, from do-rag to boot
His chaps were all tarnished with road grime and soot;
A T-bag of goodies he'd flung on his back
And he looked like a peddler just opening his pack
His shades -- how they twinkled! his do-rag how scary!
With chains intertwined, through skulls that were cherry!
His droll little mouth had Gold Teeth that did glow,
And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow.
The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,
Anti-Smoking Laws didn't give him any grief!
He had a broad face and a large fat beer belly
That shook when he laughed like a bowlful of jelly
He was tattooed and plump, a right jolly old slider,
So I tossed a cold Bud--hey, what could be righter?
A wink of his eye as he downed that cold beer,
Gave me to know I had nothing to fear
He spoke not a word, but went straight to my ride
And fixed it with Chrome, Horsepower and Pride
And giving the peace sign with a Biker's good cheer
Strode off to his Ultra that was rumbling near
He sprang on the saddle, his gloves on the bars
A wheelie he threw; then was off towards the stars
And I heard him exclaim, as my chest swelled with pride
HAPPY CHRISTMAS TO ALL, AND TO ALL A GOOD RIDE!
HAPPY NEW YEAR, TOO, Y'ALL!!!

With Love and Respect--
Yours in Liberty,
Tiger Mike