SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — When it comes to motorcycles they say you’re never too old to enjoy the ride. That’s definitely true for a Fort Pierre woman, who is the oldest living person in South Dakota at 108 and, get this, she loves everything about motorcycles.
At 108, Hazel Baumberger keeps rolling along.
But back in the day, it was on two wheels, not four.
“The bikers that go out to Sturgis, some people say they’re rough, but it isn’t that way, they go there for fun,” Hazel said.
She knows. She’s been to Sturgis several times. In fact, she went to the very first one when she was only 24 years old.
The last time she was there, she was 99.
“Oh, that was fun,” Hazel said.
Hazel says she likes everything about motorcycles, including the noise, the shiny chrome and the smell of leather.
“Everybody has been trying to get Hazel to go out, they offered her to be the grand marshal and Hazel is just tired,” Peaceful Pines Senior Living executive director Heather James said.
But Hazel will get a chance to relive those glory days when a group of bikers will bring the Rally to her.
“You know a lot of people are talking about coming here at the end of Sturgis we made it that next stop, you are still out here so what are you doing; going home, but stop by Ft. Pierre on your way home so we can really help Hazel to see those bikes,” Heather James said.
“Well, I think that’s unbelievable just little old me,” Hazel said.
Little old me says she’s lived this long, not because of what she eats or drinks, but rather gives all the credit to God.
“I thank him every day for what I can do,” Hazel said.
Hazel has this bit of advice for everyone, who is getting older.
“Don’t complain about it, enjoy it, life is precious, you’ve only got one life and laugh at everything,” Hazel said.
Especially laugh at the back of her shirt that reads ‘I set a bad example in Sturgis’.
No Hazel you are an example of how to live whether you are on two wheels or four.
The Rally to Hazel is going to be this coming Monday, August 12th between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. at the Peaceful Pines Senior Living Center in Ft. Pierre.
All bikers are welcome.
