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