The group riding through Zion National Park in Utah.
Photos and copy courtesy of Larry Langley





The group had to cope with numerous thunderstorms in the California desert the first day of the ride.
onceived as a means to not only have a fun ride, but to provide an opportunity to test and evaluate new products along with media exposure, about 20 people signed up for a group ride from Los Angeles to this year’s Sturgis Rally in South Dakota.
     From Saddlemen came President Tom Seymour, Marketing Manager Tom Monroe with Media Relations guy Larry Langley and his wife Susana organizing and providing chase truck duty. Progressive Suspension President Scott Hodgson provided the suspension connection with guests Sean Johnson and Art Moss. Other guests included David Tolin of PML Industry and three Los Angeles County Firemen: Mike Chuck, Ralph Solis and Ed Dick.
     Iron Works Magazine signed on early as a sponsor with editor Dain Gingerelli planning to make the ride, but he was unable due to injuries suffered in a fall just prior to the event. Other media along for the ride included Jessica Prokrup and Steve Lita from Roadbike, Doc Robinson from Australia’s Heavy Duty Magazine and Billy Bartel, free lance media guy. “Meal sponsors” included Progressive Suspension, Saddlemen, Drag Specialties Magazine, Edelbrock and Bell Powersports.
     The ride started at Saddlemen’s headquarters in Rancho Dominguez, CA on August 5th. The first day route took riders through the Mojave Desert on parts of old Route 66 before skirting Las Vegas around the edges of Lake Mead and finishing up the day in St George, Utah. The desert thunderstorms were awesome and the rain was a welcome respite to the 100-degree heat, but the lightning was a bit scary at times.
     Dinner host for Day One was Progressive Suspension founder Jay Tullis who lives in Ivins, just outside of St. George. On Day Two, the riders left for a tour of Utah’s scenic back roads that gave them a look at the numerous National Parks such as Zion, Cedar Break, Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef. Utah has spectacular rock formations and Highway 12 provides not only a great ride, but great views as well.
     Unfortunately the ride ended that day for Mike Chuck and Art Moss when they were involved in an accident passing a line of cars out of Hanksville, UT. The lead vehicle in the line of vehicles was a pickup truck towing a long horse trailer. The driver did not have any trailer lights hooked up and just as the group was passing, turned left without signaling.
     Chuck came away with only minor injuries from the incident, but Moss unfortunately suffered head injuries that required an airlift trip to University Hospital in nearby Salt Lake City. Fireman Ralph Solis was an EMT and was giving Art first aid within 30 seconds and according to others probably saved Art’s life. Moss was reportedly still in the hospital as we went to press.
     The day’s riding ended for the others in Grand Junction CO where motorcycle enthusiast and auto racing team owner Oscar Jackson hosted a BBQ rib eye steak dinner at his nearby ranch.
     The riders left Grand Junction on Day Three for a tour of the spectacular Rocky Mountain scenery in Northern Colorado. Riders were treated to back roads through canyons adjacent to rivers for a great riding experience. Some took the “optional” loop through Rocky Mountain National Park but most enjoyed Colorado Highway 14, which led them to the overnight stay in Loveland. Thunder Mountain Harley Davidson arranged the dinner at a local Italian Restaurant that was sponsored by Drag Specialties Magazine.
     Day Four headed straight north into Wyoming where riders picked up the pace to get to Sturgis for lunch at the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum and Hall of Fame. The route took them through the old towns of Lead and Deadwood before heading down into the final destination of Sturgis.
     The ride ended at the Museum where Director Pepper Massey-Swan greeting everyone and after the Edelbrock-sponsored lunch, gave a guided tour of the museum and hall of fame. While the museum isn’t huge, it had a lot of interesting motorcycles as well as exhibits on the history of the Sturgis Rally and Hall of Fame inductees.
     Riders were tired after four good days of riding and most put in 1800-2000 miles. Memories of great scenery and fun riding were dampened somewhat knowing that two friends were hurt on the way. But there was a feeling of accomplishment knowing that they had made it to Sturgis. And the Rally was just getting started!

We extend our best wishes to Art Moss for a speedy recovery from his injuries. Check our next issue for a full Sturgis 2005 Rally Report- Editor

After a scenic overlook stop, the riders hit the road again.







Saddlemen President Tom Seymour tested a new Saddlestow bag on the ride.

The 2000-mile ride from California ended at the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum and Hall of Fame.


Drag Specialties Magazine
Volume 12 #9

Parts Magazine Index