It’s like someone threw a switch. The temps dropped, the rain disappeared and the humidity became more than simply tolerable. Fall in Texas is hard to beat for motorcyclists. So enjoy it; it usually only lasts for two weeks… Congrats go out to our friend Buck Carson from Livingston who recently competed in the Motorcycle Cannonball Run from New York to California, September 7–23. We met him for the first time earlier this year at the British Motorcycle Owners Rally at Fireman’s Park in New Ulm where he told of his plans to race Elizabeth, a 1927 BSA 500cc single, in the Cannonball. Although Buck was eventually disqualified because of incurring too many Did Not Finish days (the result of having to replace a melted piston, two broken rings and even conduct a complete crank assembly rebuild in a parking lot), he made all us Texans proud. I recently heard from him that he lost 12 pounds during the 17-day ordeal. Buck and his father operate Carson Classic Motors in Livingston… The Texas Rally Luau and Biker Bash was held on the shores of Lake Somerville on September 6–9 and featured 10 bands on two stages, a motorcycle rodeo, a bike show and vendors. Unfortunately the weekend also included two fatalities on Saturday, a first for this event. One was caused by rider error (too fast in a curve) and the other by an inattentive driver of a SUV… On September 8, Cowboy Harley-Davidson of Beaumont invited their customers out for an evening at Ford Park and the final home match of the season pitting the Spindletop Rollergirls against the HRD Knockouts from Houston. The dealership also brought out the shop’s JUMPSTART dyno machine to give the curious a taste of what it’s like to ride a Harley… The following weekend, on September 15, Caliente Harley-Davidson in San Antonio held their 3rd annual Miss Caliente Model Search and Swimsuit Contest with Alma Adame taking the top honor, followed by Victoria Puentes in second place and Chasity Morales in third. Also on hand was the USO and the Southwest High School ROTC helping the dealership in their Salute the Military campaign… Reno’s Chop Shop in Deep Ellum was the starting and ending point for the 4th annual Motorcycle Charity Ride sponsored by the Dallas Police Department on September 23. The 50-mile ride had a police escort and wound through the city, passing significant and historic landmarks. Right around the corner from Reno’s, the Black Swan Saloon was offering an all-you-can-eat shrimp boil, along with televising the Dallas Cowboys game. The ride benefits local children with medical disorders. Live music and a silent auction was on tap after the ride… On the same day in nearby Ennis, Michael Ray secured his first career NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle win before a capacity crowd at the AAA Texas Fall Nationals held at the Texas Motorplex. Ray is a salesman at Gruene Harley-Davidson in New Braunsfels and competes under the GottSpeed Racing banner. He won against Karen Stoffer in the final round, besting her GEICO Suzuki while aboard his Buell XB9R. Earlier Ray defeated Scotty Pollacheck in round one, Hector Arana Jr. in the second heat and Andrew Hines in the semifinals. Score a big one for Michael Ray and Texas… The last big rally in Texas is coming up quick, the Lone Star Rally in Galveston, November 1–4. And if the previous years are any indication, this should be another blowout, packed with motorcycles from around the state. This year’s list of celebrity builders that will be on hand include Eddie Trotta, Paul Yaffe, the Martin Brothers, Sinister Industries, our good buddy Bronson with Southern Metal Choppers, Rick Fairless, Brigitte Bourget and RB Customs from Houston. There will also be an inaugural Metric Bike Show on Friday and the annual All-Star Round Up Custom Bike Show on Saturday, both being held on Pier 21 alongside Harborside Road. They are even opening Seawall Boulevard (along the Gulf) for vendors this year—something we haven’t seen in quite a while. It should be jammed, so you best get your accommodations in order before all the rooms are gone. As for me, I’m headed out the door and pointed south towards the Mexico border for this year’s South Padre Island BikeFest. Look for an extensive report on that fun venue in next month’s edition. Until then, ride safe and enjoy the weather.
