chad davis

Shined up and dapper

Soprano and Dutton

Over the last few weeks, my wife and I have been watching Costner's Yellowstone. It's ok, if you like the Sopranos on horseback without the strippers. Both shows portray the "rugged individualism" that is celebrated here on the Northern Plains. The John Wayne and Marlboro Man tough guys are Hollywood constructs that resonate out here. 

However, the big difference between the two leads is that Tony Soprano attempts to get help, knowing that he will continue to make his life worse if he John Wayne's his way through his emotional and psychological issues. In Yellowstone, you have John Dutton who literally John Wayne's his way through existence, making his life worse. Grit is failing him ... and the grandeur of nature barely helps. He is a motorcycle-group-ride-wreck of a man, who fails to overcome his cultural constructs to gain the help he needs.

Both men are struggling with reconciliation of their pasts, their beliefs, cultural expectations, and their visions of masculinity. Neither find the answers that allude them. Neither find the help they crave to grasp reconciliation.

Distinguished Gentleman's Ride

A little about me.

I am the Construction Manager for NeighborWorks Dakota Home Resources. Affordable housing is an issue in this area of South Dakota and as CM, I work every day towards keeping the homes people have habitable and new homes affordable.

My first ride was before I could walk. It was Dad's 1973 Honda CB750. I have been on my own motorcycle for over 40 years. In my spare time with spare cash, I build out bikes. My lastest project was a burnt out V-Star. I repaired it (Alphanzo) and built him into a bobber. Alphanzo will accompany me for this year's ride.