Looks like spring has finally arrived, with the best indicators being the bluebonnets and a calendar full of motorcycle events. So let’s go… On March 22, Corpus Christi Bikefest presented the inaugural South Texas Iron Ass. That’s when riders were challenged to start at their local Harley dealership (McAllen, Laredo, Corpus or San Benito) and ride to the three other dealerships before returning to their point-of-origin dealership, a loop of about 460 miles in 12 hours, 6:00 a.m.to 6:00 p.m. Approximately 300 riders completed the course, winning an Iron Ass T-shirt, patch and a rally pass to this year’s Corpus Christi Bikefest. The total value was more than $100 for only a $10 entry fee and several tanks of gas… On March 16, Kent and Holly Weeks with Lucky Devil Metal Works held a Pre-St. Paddy’s Day Party at the shop in Northwest Houston. Running from “noon until the streetlights come on,” this year the couple tried their hand at smoking the corned beef for a little extra zing. Kent also wanted me to remind everyone that it’s St. Paddy’s Day. “Patty” is a girl’s name, while Saint Patrick, of course, was male. We stand corrected… The San Antonio AutoRama was held March 14–16 at the Freeman Expo Hall. According to inside sources the show sucked (the source was a vendor there), with attendance estimated at 20 percent of what it was last year, the number of bikes down by half and 75 fewer cars than in 2013. Doesn’t sound good for 2015… Got word from Quentin Ely the other day warning riders about a popular stretch of road that is now too dangerous for most to attempt. Seems the county has torn up a section of FM 362 between Whitehall and FM 105, creating a buggy trail of gravel and washboard dirt. Be careful out there… March 29, the Giddy Up Vintage Chopper Show was held at the River Road Ice House in New Braunfels. Although I wasn’t able to attend, I was told the place was packed. The main reason for that (other than a cool bike show) was the chance to win a very sweet 1955 Panhead chopper. Was the winner from Texas? No! One of the surrounding states? No—not even from America; the winner was from Sweden! Now that’s just wrong… Congratulations go out to Lena Fairless (a.k.a. “Bigun” at Strokers Dallas) and her recent engagement to Jordan Lee. Lena’s well-known dad is master bike builder Rick Fairless while Jordan plays a major role in the family business, Horny Toad Harley-Davidson in Temple… On April 2 we headed over to Lucky’s Pub in Cypress for Bike Night being presented by Mancuso Crossroads Harley-Davidson in northwest Houston. This is a new bike night venue for the shop and scheduled to occur the first Wednesday of each month. While we were there we met Laura Morris, a new hire in the sales department at the shop. She invited us out the following weekend to Bikes & Bugs, a crawfish boil at the dealership. That turned out to be a most excellent day with tons of eager riders ready to chow down on some spicy mud bugs. They also offered live music, some very cold beer and raffle tickets to win a Big Dog Chopper (that must have been hidden in someone’s closet for a while!). The money raised in the raffle benefitted the Wallis Foundation and the Beth Francis Butler Charitable Foundation… Also while at Lucky’s, we ran into Jason Light with the NW Amigos MC. He hoped we could spread the word on the club’s upcoming 2nd Anniversary Party on May 17. There will be a classic car and bike show, vendors, a 50/50 drawing and a gun raffle. The location is Outlaw Dave’s Worldwide Headquarters, 6502 Washington Avenue, near downtown Houston… And here are a few events you might want to place on the calendar—the 6th annual Texas Hoedown will be held May 24 at the Waller County Fairgrounds in Hempstead. This is a new venue for a show that has always been stellar, featuring rods, rats, muscle cars, bobbers and traditional choppers. The day also includes a swap meet, live music, an art show, a Lil’ Greaser Contest and roller derby girls. It’s hosted by the Hellions Car Club and you can get more details at www.thetexashoedown.com… On that same day, the Memorial Weekend Bash 2014 will be held at Riverside Park in Victoria. It includes a bike run with a $1,000 payout. Entry fee is $25 and you can call Patsy at 361.489.1183 for additional details… And if you really wanna stretch those biker legs, the 6th Concentracion Internacional Motociclista is being held May 30–June 1 in Monterrey, Mexico. The flyer says that all bikers visiting from the U.S. will receive free entrance to the rally, a free T-shirt, free patch and event pin. Plus they’re raffling off two motorcycles, one for the locals and one for the gringoes. So take your translator and go to www.cimmty.mx for more info… The cold fronts are over; the road is calling. Best change that oil and put down some miles. Until next month, keep on Shining…
