Hello all — My publisher Mike Clapp and I just finished up our third issue together since I’ve been the editor.  I really think you’ll like this one, so check out the online version at MotorcycleRiderNews.com

What I’m excited about here in Denver is the upcoming charity event that I sponsor for Hope House of Colorado, a teenage parenting home in Arvada (where I live).  This biker event is Saturday, July 19, and the details are below.  I’d love for all of you to joing me as bikers unite for a good cause — last year we raised nearly $4,000!!!

 Here’s all the details:

4th Annual IN THE ZONE SPORTS BAR BIKER Poker Run
Saturday, July 19, 2008
TO Benefit Hope House of Colorado
$15 per person/$25 per couple 100% DONATED

CHECK IN 9:00 AM @ In The Zone Sports Bar & Grill, 15600 W. 44^th Avenue, Golden, CO 80401  (303) 279-3888

1st stop:                Rocky Flats Lounge                           Highway 93 
2nd stop:               Outlaw Saloon                                   Lyons, CO 
3rd stop:               Jerry D’s                                            Dacono, CO 
4th stop:                Jake’s Roadhouse                              Arvada, CO 
RETURN to In The Zone approximately 4:00-5:00 pm
LIVE MUSIC: Brethren Fast  

BEST POKER HAND wins

Silent Auction, Great Raffle Prizes and 50/50 Cash Raffle

Swap Meet 2 pm - ??  BOOTHS STILL AVAILABLE!!!

 For more information on the Run, the Swap Meet, or to make a donation,

 contact Diana Rowe at In The Zone Sports Bar, 303-279-3888

or email me at diana@dianarowe.com

that’s all for now — I promise to get back to the Dominican Republic post — really!

P.S. slow Internet connection here in DR — I’ll post and update when I get home.

The Caribbean caresses the white sand beaches, friendly and smiling people greet me, and time just stops here in Punta Cana. Hola, I’ve been in the Dominican Republic now since Thursday. It is my first trip here.

Barcelo Punta Cana is my choice of accommodations, an upscale all-inclusive on the Caribbean, just 30 minutes from the airport, 795 guest rooms, 7 bars (including one swim-up bar in pool), swimming pools. The hotel is a series of buildings arranged in a horseshoe facing the ocean. The usual list of activities are at the pool — water aerobics, water volleyball, water polo, drinking — anything to escape the heat of JUNE. This property event has a rock climbing wall and circus trapeze– both offering lessons.

Although it does remind me of Mexico, the main difference is the increased international mix of visitors: Europe (lots of UK and Russia), Latin America, Mexico, Canada, and of course United States. Lots of accentsand languages.

 What a tough flight here from Denver though !  I just can’t do red eyes like I used to – departing  Thursday DIA at 1 am, 4 hour layover in Atlanta, and then the blast of heat and humidity once we landed. The trip is definitely worth it, but it would’ve been nice o get here in 4 hours rather than an all day misadventure (and Atlanta doesn’t start serving alcohol until 9 am. Normally not an issue but when you’re traveling, really what else is there to do but have a red beer or bloody Mary to relax after being crammed into a plane?)