*blend

This weekend was the 1st Shining Star Motorcycle Rally in Fort Stockton. Named after a Texas YES! designation the city received, the rally hoped to raise money for various community groups. The group that organized the rally wanted to incorporate the honor of being a Shining Star city into the theme of the rally. The Hardworking Rural Community Award Program annually spotlights Texas communities for economic prosperity and innovation, with the highest award being the Shining Star. Last year, Fort Stockton was singled out as the first recipient of the Trailblazer Hall of Fame Award for scoring at the top for the past three years.

Being the first year, attendance was a little low, and some more vendors would have been great. But they more than made up for it by having my favorite band in the whole world headline the event: the Thumpin’ Puppies. They played all Friday night, and closed out the event on Saturday night.

Here are a few photos from the concert, ride, and rally. Click on thumbnails to view larger photos.

Friday, May 4, 2007

Brian, Bub and Charlie. Hanging out waiting on the concert start. Only 3 more hours to go…..
We sat out in the sun until we realized there was an empty table right next to the drink concession stand, which was right in front of the stage. We immediately moved.

George Treadaway and Jim Milam of the Thumpin’ Puppies having a drink with us before the concert. I have no idea how many beers Brian bought them…

The Thumpin’ Puppies on stage Friday night (May 4, 2007). I wish I could have gotten some video to share, but the typical west Texas wind was blowing so hard, you wouldn’t have heard them unless I stood right in front of a speaker. They played a whole bunch of new songs, and I’m hoping for a new CD soon! The Puppies are:
Bart Reid: Guitar, Bass, and Vocals
Jim Milam: Drums and Vocals
George Treadaway: Harmonica and Vocals

Saturday, May 5, 2007

The rally ride involved 4 stops: Bakersfield, Iraan, McCamey and Fort Stockton. A store or restaurant was designated in in each town as the official stop, where riders would get their cards stamped, showing they had indeed completed the trip. It was about a 150 mile ride, and the morning was simply perfect. When the ride is over, you get to draw a poker hand, with prizes for low and high hands. I got… nada, zip, nothing, didn’t even qualify as a BAD hand, much less anything else. Brian, on the other hand, draws 2 aces, 2 fives, and a jack! All afternoon we were anticipating the $300 prize..then our friend Ben the barber draws 3 jacks and takes it all. Boo hoo.

Brian and Charlie patiently waiting while I forced them to the side of the road about 6 miles outside Iraan to get pictures.

The desert out in far west Texas is gorgeous. The sweet smells, cool morning air, and beautiful greens of the desert in spring bloom can’t be compared.

Back at the rally grounds, we hung out in the shade with friends. The choppers are from West Texas Custom Cycles. Niiiiiiice.

Bike Games

Slow race: Object of the game. Ride your bike as slowly as you can, without putting your feet down. This is my friend Mike winning the 1st round hands down.

Mike and other friends shortly after losing the final round of the Slow race.

Straw in the Bottle. Object of the game is for the passenger to get a straw into 5 bottles, without the driver slowing down or putting their feet down. This is Monica and her friend winning by getting the straw into 4 of the 5.

Keg Roll. Use your bike to push a keg across the finish line. NOT as easy as it sounds. here,3 contestants chase their keg in circles.

I’m hoping there will be a Second Annual Shining Star Rally. The first may have been a little slow, but it was great fun!