Friday, July 29, 2016

Sturgis Motorcycle Rally
The 76th annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is coming up fast--August 8-14, as a matter of fact.  For those of you who always wanted to go or for those of you who haven’t been in a while, you can experience Sturgis from the seat of your sofa with my new eBook, Freedom of Expression - Portrait of Sturgis.
 The book is 4 years of work shot in classic black and white documentary style.  It celebrates the men and women who rally together every year to immerse themselves in motorcycle culture, meet up with old friends, and to enjoy a little uncensored Freedom Of Expression.

Portrait of Sturgis is available as an interactive iBook from iTunes, for Kindle from Amazon, or as a PDF.  The book is $4.99 and can be purchased through my website: Carlan Tapp Photography.  Proceeds from the book support Project Sidecar, a program to offer sidecar rides for veterans suffering from PTSD or physical handicaps, preventing them from being able to ride a motorcycle again.

Saddle up and enjoy a piece of the Sturgis action.  Thanks for your support!

be strong, be safe, Carlan 

Monday, July 18, 2016

Highway 14 - Turquoise Trail National Scenic Highway
New Mexico State Highway 14 is a 54-mile-long state road located in northern New Mexico. The highway connects Albuquerque to Santa Fe and comprises most of the Turquoise Trail, a National Scenic Byway.  This two lane beauty climbs, dips, and turns through some of the most stunning landscape of northern New Mexico.  Historically, the Cerrillos Hills provided turquoise for the people of Chaco Canyon to the north in 900 AD.
Wild Hogs, the movie that is, was filmed along HWY 14 and in the classic old mining village of Madrid.  A two laner just waiting for a motorcycle.  Wind on your back,  sun on your face, pressing and leaning into the curves, putting the kickstand down in Madrid at the Mine Shaft for a burger and music.  Just doesn't get any better.

be strong, be safe, Carlan

Tuesday, July 12, 2016

US HWY 550 The Million Dollar Highway
U.S. Highway 550 is the official name for the 70-mile ribbon of asphalt connecting Ouray and Durango, CO.  But it goes by several other names, as well.  The best known name for U.S. 550 as it crosses the San Juan Mountains in Colorado is “Million Dollar Highway”.  242 turns, 71 miles, three passes over 10,000 feet, mountain rivers and lakes, jaw dropping views.  One great motorcycle ride!
 An original origin myth holds that the highway is buttressed by fill dirt that contains a million dollars in gold ore. Others maintain that the name comes from a phrase used to describe a common reaction to the road’s perilous twists and turns, especially in winter: “You’d have to pay me a million dollars to drive that stretch in the snow.”
Riding the Million Dollar Highway is to have your head on a swivel.  The road soars high in the San Juans, summiting three passes: Red Mountain (11,018 feet), Coal Bank (10,640) and Molas (10,970 feet).  Everywhere are stunning alpine panoramas.  At 1.5 million acres, the San Juan National Forest is the largest national forest in Colorado. The hillsides fronting U.S. 550 contain 23 varieties of evergreens.  Shoulders are limited and no guard rails are just part of the ride.
Stopping at Molas Pass Nancy and I met two couples on Harleys.  In less than a minute we were sharing stories of the road.  They were from Oklahoma.  Making a big loop up into the Rockies and then back to the flat lands.  Brothers and sisters of the road.  It wasn't hard for all of us to have big smiles on our faces as we turned in circles taking in the grand landscape and beauty of our country.  Sharing it.  That's what it's all about.

be strong, be safe, Carlan