At 6:00 AM on Sunday, May 28th I woke up to a crisp radiant morning in the eye of a swirling cold snap. Just 100 miles south of bustling Indianapolis, it took just a few moments to make a seismic shift to a mental, full-on party mode. Under dire deadline pressure, I prepped for the run on my Sporty, to see the Greatest spectacle in Racing, the Indy 500.
As I readied to swing a leg over the narrow Le Pera seat, I realized the icy brisk morning might freeze my bejeezus off. I jammed back into the disheveled pad to grab my dusty Bandit’s 5-Ball Racing Leather Bedroll. It’s saved my ass more than once.
Bandit designed it with a Western bedroll motif in mind but made it far more functional. Might be blistering in the stadium once the sun blasted it’s shimmering ways into mid-day, so I tossed in a set of sandals, light threads and chow, open-finger gloves, a first aid kit and a tool kit. It comes with an exterior tool flap and a pocket for duct tape and bailing wire.
I slipped on my merino wool hoodie, 5-Ball Racing, thick leather Flat-Out vest and deer-skin Grifter gauntlet gloves. I loaded up the Bedroll, end-pockets with a brake rotor lock, aspirin, sun screen, the best cannabis products and a AAA card in case I got stoned and lost.
I used Velcro straps to secure the Leather Bedroll to the Ape hangers, but it also works well strapped over a rear fender, like behind a saddle in the old west. I could now ride comfortably on the run home with all my warm, outer gear stuffed into the Bedroll.
I love Bandit’s Leather Bedroll because it acts as a fairing. It cuts the wind by…. 50% say, and it makes a difference at 70-80mph. Plus the 7-inch diameter roll provides plenty of space and it looks good on the sled.
The bag features include:
• Tool flap and parts pocket
• Two zippered end pockets
• Shoulder Strap
• Hand carry strap
South of the city and blasting North on Interstate 65 into Indianapolis, time ran out. The 38th Street turn-off, backed up for miles prevented my entrance. I shifted gears, peeled to the next exit and found it deserted.
I snaked through the back streets and arrived at the rendezvous point in Speedway, Indiana, just in the nick of time, maybe.
I flash of orange distracted my dark shaded eyes and a harried, confused Robin flew into my single CNC machined aluminum headlight. The nacelle, razor sharp cleaved the bird in two, like slicing a mallard for dinner. Half of the bird splintered into the forks and the other half bounced off the pillow-soft Bedroll and popped out the other side of the bike.
I skidded to an abrupt stop at the next light. Thinking to myself, if this is any inclination of race day 2023, I’d better double-up on alcoholic drinks.
At this race, you’re allowed your own adult beverages, amazing. Once inside the track, I broke out the Fireball. We yelled a few chants, perhaps at the racers or at the sweet whiskey and took another shot. We survived the ride in, the crowds and the wild life. It was time to break up and head to our respective seats.
I popped a Delta 8 gummy. They’ve replaced alcohol for me and eliminated next morning hangovers. They are more mood enhancing than party time.
Out on the track, Josef Newgarden took the historic win. The last bit was wild. The annual race interrupted by three red flags in the closing 20 laps.
I got an adrenaline kick with only 7 laps to go. Racer Pato O’Ward made a daring move right in front of my grandstands, against last year’s race winner Marcus Ericsson. O’ Ward’s number 5 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet lost grip in the corner because Ericsson doesn’t give any room in the turns.
With a crash and deep-in-your-chest thud, O’Ward spun out, slamming into the turn 3 wall. But it didn’t stop there. Rookie, Agustin Canapino ran into the back of O’Ward’s car, sending the No. 78 over the top of O’Ward’s left rear tire.
Everyone walked away but O’Ward was in position to take the win for McLaren. What a shame.
After the race, I packed my shit and headed to the Sporty. Somewhere in town a girl waited. Fortunately, I packed for the amorous occasion with more gummies and well-wrapped bottle of Lost Soul Cabernet Sauvignon…
Hang on!
