East Texas Biker: SCOM / Shindig 2022 weekend

Man ... had to really squeeze this one in this year. We'd just got back into town a few days prior and I was leaving out of country the following day of this event. I'd made the decision to head out to the Shindig before I'd found myself on the CEB as the Chapter PRO. I'd reached out to several others who where in.. then out .. then .. back in! Then we bumped it up a day early and made it a 2 day trip out, but 1 to get back since I'd a schedule issue. Rooms were locked in and we were all in agreement that we'd get there with the least amount of Interstate as possible. I'd done this run for Nationals in '18, but the temps were in the 90s/100s on that June trip. We were blessed with cooler temps this time in the 60s and 70s. The only twist would be the wind, both directions for much of the trip.

Wednesday we headed out around 0800 from Reames Market; Chief, Boudreaux and myself. From there we head to McKinney to pick up Rocky. Chief is on an HD, we are on Indians ; Chief and his 3 Indians? Rolling in there around 0900 puts us in some crazy busy traffic for over 60 minute's where we finally break away from the DFW area, free of all the BS. Now, we're smiling. All leathered up, temps in the mid 60s and loving life. We've got an easy 8 hour day total with stops, lunch, you name it. We're finally checked in around 5pm at a Hampton Inn and we're headed off to find some liquor and dinner! The Butchers Block is the highly recommended local spot and it won't disappoint. Good Steaks, cold drinks and a great waitress.

Wed night aftermath

Highlights of my night is we picked up the tab for the local Deputy Sheriff and his girlfriends/wife. He was highly appreciative of it and put a smile on my face. Then back to the hotel to crack open the good stuff. We parked our butts in the lobby and had .. well .. too good of a time. I know this because three of us emptied two of those bottles! Next morning we'd be moving slow, but nobody was truly hurting. But damned I needed some java! Next day we're rolling out of Snyder Texas and headed to New Mexico where we'll drop down into El Paso as the temps slowly climbed. The mountain range/park we are skirting on the edge of is beautiful and we're all wanting to divert into it for a better view, but we've got to make time to get to our destination. Soon, we're winding downwards on a windy highway 62 with awesome views, straightening out towards Texas and our destination of El Paso. Come 1730 , we're checking in and debating what to do. Our original plan was the meet and greet, but we're all beat and BJ's Brewery around the corner is calling our name...we're hungry and thirsty! I'm dragging ass from the previous night's fun. I'm beat.

Friday is here! We're staying at a Marriott Courtyard so they have a Bistro serving breakfast ($), so that problem is solved. Then over to the VFW Post a few miles south of us to grab our swag, grab a cold one, and catch up with others. After an hour or so .. we're wondering .. what next? So, mount up and on a whim, head east to put on some miles towards Fabens, paralleling the border the whole way. Seemed like we'd been going quite awhile but all in all , only put on about 50 miles that day. We've got a bike night at Barnett HD which is THE Largest Dealer, which wont' disappoint. Upwards of 500 folks roll in with Food Trucks, live music and vendors on hand. Me, I only last about two hours there before it's time to head back. Once again .. I'm friggn' beat! Quick change of clothes and we're down in the lobby with dozens of others whom have the same idea. No bikes and bottles!

Few hundred bikes of just CEB

Saturday is the big day. Around 0800 we're rolling in for the SCOM meeting. I'm counting hundreds of bikes out there and this is just the CEB at this point. With 29 chapters and several detachments, Texas is THE largest percentage of the CVMA with over 10% of the total membership (approx 20,000 total worldwide) . Towards the end, 23-11 steps up to the plate to get the event in Greenville and we're awarded the opportunity. After a couple hours of meeting with the Texas Board member and Officers/Reps from all but one of our chapters, others roll in for the Shindig portion which kicks off at noon. They've got a DJ inside, live band outside and overall it's just a really good time. Rocky and I got to see some of the members from 23-15 that we'd rode down to see back in December and reconnect. Hell, the Aux members prompted us for one of our 'famous' Dick Sandwiches; too funny! We're truly hoping to make that run again, this December. Well, after some of the raffles are done, we sneak off for some grub with a second run to BJs. Then, back to the hotel where most of us park it since we've got a long ride home on Sunday. I for one do NOT want a repeat of Wed night's shenanigan's! I've got 700 miles to do home, and I want to do it in a '100%' state! Rocky and I have a few drinks, call it a night. Chief that same. Boudreaux head to the lobby for a few extras. He and the Chief are doing a 2 dayer, Rocky and I ... one day ride.

Sunday is here! We've joined in with several from 23-26 and by 0630 we're headed out on Interstate, headed East. When approaching the DFW are they take I20. Rocky and I grab I30 where he'll bolt off on I820 headed home. I grab the throttle and kick up the speeds past 90mph and rolling through DFW, pulling into the driveway by 1830 hours. Lucy picked up my Nephew Pablo and his bride earlier in the day and they are waiting for me. We've got Margaritas to drink and everyone's hungry ... we're headed the next day to Mexico. I made it!