The (ROT) Republic of Texas Rally began in 1995, only back then it was called the Hill Country Classic. I remember sitting on the curb a little after midnight, drinking a beer (yes we could take them out of the bars then). There wasn't a bike within 50 yards, either side, of me that year. This year event is predicted to exceed 40,000 plus bikes. The curb was jammed with bikes every night. My how the sport has grown.
The ROT weekend, or as I call it 72 hours of partying and fun on eight hours sleep, began Thursday night at Jack's Backyard for the weekly bike night. Of course the 700 plus bike mark was broken. Does it count when all the rally bikes are in town? Who the hell cares? Everywhere I turned there were fine bikes, lovely women, folks partying and Jack Daniels!
The Social Butterflies, Shelly and Randen were in overdrive trying to attend to their duties as the Austin Ambassadors of Fun. However the lovely Ms. Shelly was also putting forth a concentrated effort to distract me from my duties of (staring at her chest), I mean taking pictures. The zipper on that red halter-top seemed to slip lower every time she strolled over to pay me a visit. What's that black lace? Take your picture, wash your car, and change the oil, huh, ok.
Friday morning arrived way too early! I began loading up the camera equipment, where the HELL is my film! Oh yeah, digital camera. I stumbled out the door and headed for the Rally. After registration, the first stop was the Strokers Dallas tent to catch a few images of some new additions to the fine line of Stroker's bikes.
I stopped and spoke with my future father-in-law, Mr. Fairless. Rick was most hospitable as a host, offering a cool beverage of choice throughout the day as needed to survive the Texas heat. After spending a vast portion of the day roaming through the Rally, I decided to return to Pflugerville, home to the Southwestern branch of Bikernet, to regroup and wait for the arrival of the Lucky Devil road crew.
Lucky Devil Metal Works is one of 17 builders chosen to compete in the Lone Star Biker Bash (LSBB) and 2004 Big Texas Chop-Off to be held at Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth beginning September 16th. You can learn more by checking out the website at http://www.lonestarbikerbash.com.
The LD folks hauled to Austin for a meet and greet event, being held at Coyote Ugly on 6th street. Downtown Sixth Street in Austin is several blocks lined side to side with bars and music choices of any kind, munchies, tattoo shops and everything in between. It's party central. Upon our arrival at Coyote Ugly we were soon joined by Bradley Da Polisher and Gypsy of Thunder Press fame. Gypsy is the only lady competing in the Chop-Off and as I understand it from a very reliable source (her), “She's going to Kick These Boys Asses!”
This was my first honored introduced to the lovely Ms. Gypsy, and boys, let me tell you, I was impressed! This young lady is fun to be around, however she is even more comfortable on the other side of a camera. But being a contestant in the Chop-Off means having your picture taken repeatedly by me.
The Fire Marshal screeched to halt in front of the Coyote Ugly front doors, around 10:00 p.m., and made half the people leave, fire codes you know. Being a democracy, of the great US of A, Kent, Bradley, Spanky, Doc, Luis and myself elected to have only guys removed. No point running off all the pretty girls.
About the time the Monsoon hit Friday night we made our way over to the Hilton to check on Doc's room. I tried guys; but the lovely Paris was nowhere to be found. You would be surprised at how nasty some people can be when you are searching the hallways for Paris at 1:00 a.m. One gentlemen did offer to send me to Paris, not sure if he meant France or Texas?
We rode out the storm huddled in the Hilton having drinks and munchies with a view of the new Frost Bank tower, while watching the rain slither sideways in great sheets. I am sure the bar owners were quite happy. If you hadn't left prior to the storm, you were trapped. As the storm ended, Doc discovered that no rooms were available, so I invited them to stay at the Pflugerville Hilton/Southwestern Bikernet branch. I had seven guests, what the hell go for an even eight. “So Gypsy care to join us?” I asked humbly. Wouldn't you know she planned ahead, and already secured a room for the night. Damn Girl Scout Training I Bet?
Saturday morning began with a slight recharging of two hours sleep, before Dresser Dave showed up. That boy needs a watch! I led the Lucky Devil road crew to my favorite weekend breakfast spot for migas and coffee. Spanky's wife Kristine didn't enjoyed the luxury of two hours sleep like yours truly and was feeling the pain (new surroundings). “Can she eat with her head on the table like that?”
We then made our way to meet up with the rest of the previous night's group. Luis, the promoter for the LSBB, Lone Star Biker Build-off, asked if I would mind taking shots of the builders, as the “official”photographer. He was still trying to dry out his camera equipment from the previous night's monsoon. He didn't find shelter in time.
We decided to take some informal shots of Kent, Gypsy & Matt. “Honest Luis I swear there are some of Kent and Matt too, they're not all of Gypsy! Give me second I'll find 'em.”
I returned to 6th street Saturday night with Dresser Dave and Kathy to check out the bikes and babes. Found Bradley Da Polisher's bike parked in front of a local establishment hosting the Martin Brothers party. I was unable to locate him, maybe for the best, as it was still a 4:00 a.m. morning. “Time to sleep yet?”
Unfortunately this year we also lost four riders. Remember their families in your prayers. To the best of my knowledge this was the first year of fatal accidents.
Till Next Time and Be Safe!
–Rigid Frame Richard
