R.O.T. Rally Recap - part 1

EVERYTHING is bigger in Texas. Jello shot anybody?

I am near Baton Rouge, LA tonite en route to the Miami area. Austin is 400 miles behind me but the memories are hot and fresh! Two parts for the recap because, #1 I lost a few brain cells last night (and the night before) so sleep is high on my 'needs' list and there is really alot to tell.





So Friday midday I ran 100 miles south to San Antonio and loaded a steel grate going to FL. This is a very large grate - 6'W x 12'L x 10" thick - 8000#! Then it was back to the Holiday Inn, change of clothes and downtown Austin for the Republic Of Texas Rally. The official site was the Travis County Expo Center about 11 miles away from town. This a a large fairground that was turned into a campground with two stages set up for bands. Apparently it was a clothing optional' affair for the girls. The abundance of 'dance poles' and beads made for a most entertaining ride around the campgrounds. But that was Saturday night.





I was downtown Austin Friday night where Robbie Knievel jumped 200' of Budweiser trucks in front of the state capitol. At least that's what the news reports said. I chose NOT to pay the $20 for a first hand view. What impressed me the most was the HUGE number of streets that were blocked off for pedestrian traffic only. Congress avenue from 6th St to the State Capitol building (about 13th St.) - CLOSED! Then 6th St. for at least 3 or 4 blocks was also CLOSED. And the place was PACKED. Probably the BIGGEST street party I have ever been too.





Saturday -and Sunday - were HOT! It was actually hot all week but it was over 100 degrees and very humid both weekend days. Fortunately there was also a pretty good breeze but it felt like riding around inside an oven on the bike. The shade and the pool were the only salvation outside.





Saturday night I went to the fairgrounds. Having never been before, I can only describe it as an endless maze of campers of all shapes and sizes from $500,000 class A's to $20 pup tents. The cacophony of generators was blended by the roar of motorcycles doing burn-outs and music of every possible genre. There was also an abundance of flesh - much of it exposed; male and female. Some of it should NOT have been exposed. It never ceases to amaze me what people will do. Most of this was 'R-rated' but there was plenty of X-rated activity in the shadows too.



(too be continued)