I wanted to lead this month on a special note of importance to all riders in southeast Texas. Kenneth “Cap” Hutton founded Bikers for Bikers 24 years ago. This unique organization brought all motorcyclists together once a year to raise funds to help bikers and their families in times of need, assisting in burial costs, paying a hospital bill or the rent. Cap recently passed away and we received this report from THUNDER PRESS contributor Forrest Osborn: “On February 15, 2014, a Celebration of Life for Cap was held and, at his request, it was, “No whining allowed.” Bikers Park was packed by clubs, independents and supporters from across the state to celebrate the life of a highly respected and loved man. But they also counseled among themselves as to what is next for Bikers for Bikers. What is the next chapter for this organization, or is this the end of the story? The following day an open board meeting was held at Bikers Park to determine if what one man had accomplished could now be continued by many. The meeting was well attended and the result was a unanimous vote to go forward, reorganize and build on what Cap had passionately created. After much discussion, a litmus test of sorts was agreed on, and the annual rally in April would be a determiner for which path Bikers for Bikers would take. Bikers for Bikers is solely funded by bikers—its existence completely dependent on that support. I’ve been a supporter for over 10 years. It’s a unique family of riders from all walks of life, young and the well-seasoned. If the organization is to continue, it is up the riding community, outriders, individuals and, most of all, the motorcycle clubs to make it happen.” The 24th annual Bikers for Bikers Rally will be held at Bikers Park on April 18–20. Most riders in this area grew up with this event, with many of us remembering Bikers Park as our first rally site; lots of memories on that property. Details are listed in the THUNDER PRESS calendar, so do your best to show up. As Forrest told me, “We are our brothers’ and sisters’ keepers”… With perfect cold-weather timing, on February 8, Mancuso Harley-Davidson in west Houston held their 7th annual Mardi Gras Style Chili Cook-Off at the dealership. This is always a well-attended event with a flourish of Mardi Gras-decorated booths and some very hearty chili. A five spot gave you the chance to sample all the fiery grub you could handle (at least until the pots were empty), as well as the opportunity to enter the jalapeno-eating contest (as if things weren’t hot enough!)… Road Dawg Rallies presented the Party on the Trinity on February 21–23. Held at the TVE Fairgrounds in Liberty the event featured a bike show and games, a poker run, tattoo contest and nightly concerts. This production company has only been around for a few years and maintains the goal of supporting Liberty County youth organizations and nonprofits… The weather for sampling a bowl of red was milder on the 22nd when Harley-Davidson of The Woodlands held their Chili Cook-Off benefiting the VFW Motorcycle Group Unit-1. It was held in the dealership parking lot and was their inaugural attempt. And although the entry fee was a little steep ($50), they promised a 100 percent payback to the winners… The following weekend was Texas Independence Day (March 2) and it was celebrated in high fashion by, who else but… Independence Harley-Davidson in College Station on Saturday the 1st. The day included free barbecue (the best-tasting kind), bike games, vendors and live music by the popular Tubie and the Touchtones, a well-recognized Texas blues band. To make the celebration even sweeter, the shop gave away a two-night stay at the Fredericksburg Hill Country Hotel, a well-recognized Texas biking destination… I wanted to end with a quick listing of some upcoming events starting with the Giddy Up Vintage Chopper Show on March 29. I have very few details at this time, but have found out it will be held at the River Road Ice House in New Braunsfels. I suggest going to giddyuptx.blogspot.com for more information and to possibly enter to win the 1955 Giddy Up Panhead chopper that is being given away—one great-looking bike… The annual Spring Fling, April 11–13, will again be presented by Strokers Dallas. This is three days of bikes, babes and beer with the emphasis on babes (wet T-shirt contest, bikini contest, etc.). There will also be continuous live music. And don’t forget about Strokers’ latest promotion, five-cent draft beer and free hot dogs every third Saturday during their Customer Appreciation Party… Big Mike’s Bike Show will be held April 20 in Deer Park and feature seven classes along with food, beer, music, vendors and a bikini bike wash. Call Big Mike at 281.930.9779 for details. That’s it for now; ride safe, ride long.
