Okay, just a little update on this story. Somehow we either did not send it, or it got lost in Bandit’s stack of to-do items??? As of now, it looks as though BIG changes are headed for Smoke-Out 19? Talk of new sponsors, new events and more action to come! The SmokeOut has always been a GREAT event, and I look forward to it being even bigger and better! So hang on for the updates!
So it was that time of year again. Time for the SmokeOut to roll into Rockingham, NC. Brought to us by all of their great sponsors including LowBrow Customs and Bikernet.com.
This year I rode my rigid frame, 4-speed kick start only, jockey shift Evo. From where I live it is about 80 miles one way. I had been hearing rumors that I was too old for that bike with only kick start. I was too old to take the bumps on the black top? Well I had to prove it to myself that I could still handle the rough spots and enjoy the ride. Of course, I still had it and I did!
It is not what the number of your age, it is how you live, just because that number increases does not mean you have to live old! My wife Vicki, and our good friend Kris rode along in the car, so I had a chase vehicle, but I never needed one the bike ran flawlessly.
The only time I kicked more than once was when we set out, it took me four kicks! I tried to get some guys to go along but they could not, one excuse after another. It looked like rain, it was too hot, it was too humid? As for the rain on the way back, I ran into a down pour for about 30 minutes, but like I was told a long time ago, “If you ride long enough, you are going to get wet!”
Now for the SmokeOut, it was a GREAT time, always has been and 18 was no exception. There seemed to be more vendors this year. Top builders were there, LED Sled, Speed King, Faith Forgotten Choppers, just to name a few. The bike show was amazing, with a pro builder class and a garage built class.
The SmokeOut is always a great place to catch up with old friends. For me, I just enjoy being there, seeing the bikes and the people. The bands rock, the broads were hot, the mini-bike races were over the top, and there was custom shows and action every minute. It is just a good time all around!
Vicki’s favorite part of the Smoke-Out is the mini bike races. This year we had Donald Trump, Dick Head and the Flash . All racers dress in costumes, and it is a kick to watch this. There are always crashes and this year there were a couple of good ones. No one was hurt.
Our friend told me, “I just love being around this, the bikes , the people and the atmosphere!” That goes for me too. A little bit about Kris, she is an R.N. but she can also turns wrenches with any guy! This is what it is all about, Just being there!
There were the “run what you brung” drag races. It was a blast watching these guys, especially the jockey shift guys!
Edge and his crew, mostly retired military guys did a GREAT job as they always do. I only went on Saturday and even with the heat and humidity it was a fantastic, action-packed day! There is just something about a day filled with choppers and bobbers that gets my blood pumping.
As I dried out from the downpour we stopped at Iron Thunder Saloon. Riders were parked out front drying out like me. The Iron Thunder Saloon is located in Monroe, NC about 35 miles west of Rockingworld. Nice place, food is good and the waitresses are scantly dressed! All in all it was a great day.
I proved I could still kick start a bike and ride a rigid jockey shift bike with the best of them. Even the rain never dampened the spirit on the way home! See you at SMOKE OUT 19 !
Until next time, RIDE!
–STEALTH
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