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Its barely a week since we rang in the New Year, and the annual Easyriders Bike Show has come back to the L.A. Fairplex in Southern California. With the shaky economy and everyone still mending their debts from the holidays, I expected to find a near-empty venue. But I like to visit my many friends who are builders, riders, entertainers and writers and show whatever support I can offer in these lean times.

I keep on thinking that when I get older, Ill have more time to get to all of the “projects” I let pile up. But as it is, the project pile continues to grow taller as I grow older. And the time? I just dont know where it goes. I cant believe its already December, as I havent even gotten caught up from Sturgis yet! Havent written a Christmas card or even thought about presents.

“Live fast, die young, stay pretty.” That was the motto of my lifelong best friend, Mary Tomczak. It was a line in a Blondie song. Mary loved Blondie back in the 80s. We were even backstage at one of Blondies concerts, and as strung out as she was, onstage Blondie was larger than life. And larger than life is the best way I can remember Mary, who one week ago today, decided to take her own life.

I know, I know, Ive ragged on how bad the Laughlin River Run in Laughlin, Nev., has gotten in the past few years. And even when it was in its heyday, a gambling town in the middle of the desert is at the bottom of my bucket list for places to be. But the rally does fall in the spring, after weve been cooped up all winter just chomping at the bit to get out and ride.