Thunder Roads Magazine of Oklahoma/Arkansas September 2014 | Page 21

PLACES GATHERING FOR A FRIEND Shell Meador, Denise Blankenship and our brothers and sisters from other Mothers and Mr’s. Photo Courtesy of Ernie Wirick Photo was taken by a friendly unknown fellow biker on Ernie’s camera. Many Oklahomans gather on Wednesdays during Sturgis Rally for a special day to celebrate the life of one of our own. No Panties Wednesday AKA Burn-out Wednesday was Michael “Bubba” Blankenships favorite ride during his annual Sturgis trip. He celebrated his birthday and married his wife Denise during Sturgis week. Bubba left this life on his motorcycle and went to ride on his forever highway on December 8th, 2004. We now gather for “Sturgis Bubba Run Wednesday” every year to remember him and honor his birthday and his love for Denise. Bubba was a Marine and often wore his overalls while riding and teased about going commando. Overalls and Camo are often part of the apparel during our Wednesday ride. This particular day as we gathered at Campbell’s Hardware, a Nebraska Preacher came over and led us in a prayer asking for our God to protect us and keep us out of harms way. Just a short while later, a cyclist passed our group of 20 bikes going in excess of 100 mph and to avoid oncoming bikes he merged into our groups road captain Rob Smith and his wife Kerri, missing them by only a hair. By the grace of Gods protection, that blessing and Bubba, our Harley Angel, we made it safely through our day. Stone House Saloon is a two story farm house in Belle Fourch