LRRP 2023

Progress!   Man ... got to tell you, I was bummed last week.   Thought I'd completed the Inner State requirements but hit a snafu on one of the events.   It was supposed to be sanctioned per their folks, but never happened. Someone on the chapter side dropped the ball I'm guessing.  I counted it in the total miles but for Innerstate it MUST be a Sanctioned Event or Chapter Meeting.  Grrrr...   My bad

On a positive note, officially got awarded the Tri State today.  Back in June completed the FTM option ... so ...  hopefully, in three weeks or so, will have the Inner State completed.   Then...

GRAND SLAM

UPDATE 31 OCT : Clarification on the Inner State; the non Sanctioned event counts as I'd assumed.  Paperwork in!

Not everyone understands my desire for this .... for me it's simple.  I joined the CVMA to ride with my Brothers and Sisters.  Yes, I've evolved since then, but ...  that's still at the core for me. And to be honest, with some of the health shit I've been dealing with the last 3.5 years....   I feel good about pulling this off again this year...... and plan to do a repeat next year.

16 NOV Update.  Grand Slam!

member awarded the 2023 LRRP Tri-State tab, two Tri-State tabs shipped 10/27/2023			27 Oct 2023
Member awarded the 2023 LRRP FTM; two FTM tabs shipped 6/27/2023  Member awarded the 2023 LRRP GRAND SLAM, two Grand Slam tabs shipped 11/15/2023    Member awarded the 2023 LRRP Inner-State, two Inner-State Tabs shipped 11/15/2023			27 Jun 2023

Butt Hurt

 Not sure if some things are funny or just sad.   Watched a LOT of drama the last year.  Watched people bail, get kicked to the curb.  Watching 'excitement' as things begin to change for the better.  But, when you hear through the rumor mill about pot stirring, potential drama, from clowns on the outside talking shit about those on the inside... well .. funny shit.

Guessing more than one ... a lot .. wish they hadn't fucked up and thought the asphalt was better on the other side of the road?   Actually, sounds like a bunch of rocks over there.  Nothing but blacktop newly laid, on this side...

hand signals

I can never keep some of these straight.  Doesn't help that some get over used sometimes 

My 'first' meeting...

 Well, that didn't go as expected. Crap.....................

First of all , I was prepared to standup and .. 'state my case'.  You know.. "why vote for me?" Yeah.. that' didn't happen.  Well, the meeting kicked off, and ... right off the bat... elections began.  SAA.... Treasurer.. and .. then.. Commander.   Wait ... I thought it would be AFTER the meeting.  Not to be.  Then it got a lil weirder.  Current Commander basically quickly asked for a vote via a show of hands and I was thinking "WTF?" .. but ... that was quickly shutdown. We were informed by the Secretary we were  voting by "SWIPE" .  After about twenty minutes, the results were announced, the change of the guard happened quickly ....and .. I suddenly found  myself at the head table.  FUCK.

Now.. understand.  I never wanted this out the gate.  I was asked by numerous people to step up to the plate.  I pushed back. They pushed back harder.  So, I reluctantly posted my Bio.  Not my first draft mind you. Lucy was like "WTF!?!?!?!" looking at the original.  Hey ....  I simply want to RIDE.  Have a good time!  Roll with the flow.. .whatever.  I joined the CVMA to ride with my fellow Vets.  My Brothers and Sisters I served with.  Okay ..... maybe she was right.  So .. I revamped it.. multiple times. LOTS of times.  When she wasn't looking , I uploaded it the latest iteration.  Whoops? :)    Done

Now.... I'm in the mix.  Still... I didn't want to be here. I travel a lot. I work a lot. My stress levels at work get .. ummm.... HIGH.  I don't need this shit.  But................deep down I know.... this is the right thing to do. The right time to do it. Suck it up Buttercup, get with the fucking program?  ...... whatever.

For several days, I've been practicing a lil 'speech' to give prior to the vote.  I'm on like the 100th' edited copy .. but...  finally .. still sounds like it's unpracticed.  I'm ready to go ... but.. Nooooooooooo..... bam.. we are suddenly voting. I have to admit, it's sort of weird.  The vibe in the room is .. well... really fucking good.  A few are actually under their breath making comments (in a positive manner).  I'm thinking "is this really happening?"  Again.. from the get go .. I didn't want this...

But....... now.  I do.  I want it.  I've truly come to believe in it all.  I'm fucking tired of the fucking drama the last several years and we need a change.  I tired of the fucking bullshit.. period.

One fucking year ago I went through 'hell' with my group. I don't agree with the way it went down. I still believe I was targeted by fucks that are no longer part of us.  Complete B.S. in the big fucking picture.... but.....

I've grown from it all. I've got a different perspective of the 'big picture.'. I see past much of what I thought was BS and now understand much of the constraints... the by-lays...   the rules. .. in place for the 'better good of the majority".  Whatever.. but.. you get the picture?

Now.... it's a new day.  A new Chapter. I'm ready to move forward to do things 'correctly'.  For the better good of the chapter.  You know , all that cliche shit?  But....... here's a lil secret. I'm not here for the power trip. For the 'position'.  For the .. fucking whatever .. I'm here for or Association.  For our Chapter.  I promise 'you'..... I'm here for the right reasons.   God help us All :)

Git R Done!

DALLAS - FORT WORTH, TX BIKER BAR & HANGOUTS REPORT

My dad used to belong to this MC and found myself looking at their page.  They provide a list of Dallas bars..... so .. wtf ... snagged it.  Simply copy/pasting for your delight.  Not stealing...  just sharing!

HERE IS YOUR DALLAS - FORT WORTH,
TX BIKER BAR & HANGOUTS REPORT

This Is The Official Viet Nam Vets – Legacy Vets MC
Biker Friendly Bars, Etc. Report

Beer - Babes - Food - Bikes - Good Times
New Place to Go Every Night

This is the Viet Nam Vets – Legacy Vets Motorcycle Club list of biker hangouts in the Dallas – Fort Worth, TX area.

If you are an independent or MC member you will find these places welcoming. Whether you are new to the area, just passing through our live here and want to learn about new places to go and park your bike and have a cool one this is the best list on the Internet to get that information.

1. Reno’s Chop Shop and Saloon: This local offers some damn good eats and a wide-open bar. Great company is offered at Reno’s with some old school rock and roll to accompany your good times. This is a great biker bar with all the extras. Reno’s Chop Shop and Saloon: 210 Crowdus Road Dallas, TX. 214-744-1202
2. Muddy Waters: This is a local favorite with the biker crowd. Rowdy times and great music intermingle with some good brew to throw back. Pull up a stool and relax in the atmosphere, they make everyone feel welcomed. Muddy Waters: 4114 Live Oak Road Dallas TX. 75226 214-823-1518
3. Elm Street Bar: Yes, you read right. Elm Street Bar is a great biker hangout. This location offers pool, darts, women and of course, plenty to drink. This is a great bar that has a fun atmosphere with a super staff. Elm Street Bar: 2318 Elm Street Dallas TX. 75226 214-653-1668
4. Stroker’s Ice House Bar and Grill: This is the idea biker bar. It is situated next to a bike shop, holds plenty of beer and has a bikini night. The music and crowd is great as well. This is a stop and play location. Stroker’s Ice House Bar and Grill: 9403 Harry Hine Boulevard Dallas, TX. 75235 214-351-5252
5. Big D Gypsy Clubhouse: Everything is bigger in Texas. You’ve heard that before, and Big D fits the description. Fantastic eats, drinks and company. This bar is a kick in the pants, one you won’t want to pass up. Big D Gypsy Clubhouse: 3642 Samuell Boulevard Dallas, TX. 214-823-6299
6. Blue Goose Cantina: This is a prized waterhole for bikers. Check your attitude in the parking lot. This is a no BS zone. This cantina is reserved for serious drinkers and fun seekers. Blue Goose Cantina: 2909 Greenville Avenue Dallas, TX. 214-823-8339
7. J Pepe’s Tex Mex: This establishment offers great drinks and superb food. It is an awesome place to kick back and enjoy a cold one. A super staff and great crowd gives you a definite experience you need to explore. J Pepe’s Tex Mex: 3619 Greenville Avenue Dallas, TX. 214-821-6431
8. Snuffers Restaurant and Bar: This place has some fantastic food and great drink selection. Snuffers offer dining facility along with a stocked bar. It has a friendly staff and is situated in a prime location. Good times are to be had by all. Snuffers Restaurant and Bar: 3526 Greenville Avenue Dallas, TX. 214-826-6850
9. TexasTrap: Don’t let the name scare you. You will want to be trapped in this Texan saloon. Great drinks are offered up by a fun staff. Great music spins all night, and the food isn’t half bad either. Texas Trap: 1154 Peavy Road Dallas, TX. 214-321-7516
10. Boar’s Breath Bar and Grill: Fantastic comes to mind when describing this bar. This place has fantastic food, fantastic drinks and a fantastic staff. You get the picture, make the rounds and be sure to hit this joint on the way out. Boar’s Breath Bar and Grill: 2115 W Lovers Lane Dallas, TX. 214-634-2192
11. End Zone Sports Bar & Grill: Bikers always welcome, colors welcome, Bike Night every Thursday; 3033 W. Parker Road, Plano TX, 75025
12. Local Public House: Bikers welcome, colors welcome, no bike night; 2001 W. Spring Creek Pkwy, Plano TX 75023, 469-573-9453.
13. Hooters: Bikers and colors always welcome. No bike night. Go to 720 Central Expressway, Plano TX 75074. Call 972-422-9464.
14. Vickery Park: All bikers welcome including colors. No bike night. 1011 E 15th St Plano TX 75074,.
    Parking is an issue.
15. The Filmore Pub: All bikers welcome including colors. No bike night. Parking is an issue. 1004 E 15th st., Plano TX 75074. Call 972-423-2400
16. Austin AVE. Grill & Sports Bar: Two locations:
    1801 N Plano Rd, Richardson,TX 75081, BIKERS WELCOME, including colors, no bike night.
    935 W Parker Road Plano TX - BIKERS OR COLORS NOT WELCOME
17. Tavern On Main Street: Bikers and colors welcome. Not bike night. 115 E. Main st.
    Richardson TX 75081 - 972-235-8667.
18. J's Pancake House & Grill (Restaurant): Bikers and colors welcome. Not bike night. Sells no liquor but if you call first you may be able to BYOB! 1405 Jupiter Rd # 108, Plano, TX 75074 - (972) 312-0967 Facebook Page, https://www.facebook.com/jspancakehouseandgrill/

More Bars to Check Out in the Dallas - Fort Worth Area and Beyond We Have Heard These Places Are Good Too!

Elite Cigar Café: 4291 Belt Line Rd, Addison, TX 75001 No bike night. Colors okay.
Personal favorite of Brother Herf!

Stumpy's Blues Bar: 2811 W. Division, Arlington, TX - 817-275-3231

Coyote Ugly Saloon: 501A East 6th Street, corner of Neches St., Austin, TX - 512-236-UGLY

Diamond Jim's Saloon:

305 N. Great Southwest Pkwy, Arlington, TX - 817-633-2838

473 E Renfro St., Burleson, TX - 817-295-3471

Hangin' Tree Saloon: 18424 2nd Street, Bracken, TX - 210-651-5812

Hoots: 5220 E. FM 1187, Burleson, TX - 817-478-9004

Moose Knuckles: 208 N. Ave F,(Loop 46) , Post, TX - 806-495-0694

Cottage Lounge: 3006 W. Northwest Hwy, Dallas, TX

Neon Moon Saloon:

1201 S.16th, La Porte, TX 281-471-6366

1602 S Hwy 121, Lewisville, Texas, 972-436-4258

Yankee's Tavern

10328 FM 244, Carlos, TX - 936-873-3314

11335 Sheldon Road, Houston, TX - 281-456-7867

1016 McCann Rd, Longview, TX

Deer Crossing Saloon: 4810 FM 1518, Selma, TX - 210-651-4541

2500 Club: 2500 E. Belknap, Fort Worth, TX - 817-831-2255

Grunts Cantina: 1991 Fm 534 , Sandia, TX - 361-547-2276

Roadhouse: 1103 Wonder Dr., Round Rock, TX - 512-218-0813

The Gas Station Sports Bar and Grill: 120 N. Travis St, San Benito, TX - 956-361-9541

County Line Bar & Grill: 19412 FM 1093, Richmond, TX - 281-398-4800

Chasers Lounge: 2932 N Buckner Blvd, Dallas, TX - 214-324-5584

The Keys Lounge: 5677 Westcreek Dr., Fort Worth, TX - 817-292-8627

The BoxCar:

2222 Bear Creek Rd., Cedar Hill, TX - 972-230-1617

13430 Hwy 281 N., Spring Branch, TX - 830-885-5550

Cruisers Ice House:

FM 2004 & FM 646, Santa Fe, TX - 409-925-4778

5875 W Port Arthur Rd, Port Arthur, TX - 409-736-2650

13200 FM 359 , Monaville, TX - 979-826-4344

11149 FM 3005, Galveston, TX - 409-740-6969

Murphy's On Main:

104 Main St, La Marque, TX - 409-935-9939

432 S. Main, Grapevine, TX

Fat Dawgs Roadside Saloon: off Hwy 80 @ Pinson exit, Forney, TX - 972-552-2700

West of the Brazos: 23220 Hwy 36, Damon, TX - 979-742-3100

Half Moon Saloon: at Fort Half Moon, 14389 Rec 4, Somerville, TX - 979-598-1234

Hardtails: 1515 N IH 35, Georgetown, TX - 512-869-5454

Loose Wheels: 534 Pool Rd., Denison, TX - 903-464-9119

Jokers Icehouse:

7900 S Clear Creek Rd., Killeen, TX - 254-554-9051

2115 Allred Dr, Austin, TX - 512-701-3411

Riley's on the Backbone: 3971 FM 32, Fischer, TX

Horny Toad Bar: 320 N. Third, Cranfills Gap, TX - 254-597-1100

Gators Bar & Grill: 4610 S Padre Island Dr, Corpus Christi, TX - 361-225-4300

Hills & Dales Ice House: 15403 White Fawn Rd., San Antonio, TX - 210-695-2307

FUEL Bar & Grille: Fort Worth, TX - 817-831-FUEL

Wildcatter Saloon

26913 Katy Fwy, Katy, TX - 281-392-2337

1701 Everman Pkwy, Everman, TX - 817-293-1402

3101 Joyce Dr., Fort Worth, TX - 817-560-7245

50/50 Club

5908 Lake Worth Blvd, Fort Worth, TX - 817-378-0052

9901 Camp Bowie West, Fort Worth, TX - 817-560-7245

22308 Hwy 71 West, Spicewood, TX - 512-264-0318

4276 E. FM 1187, Burleson, TX - 817-615-4840

16884 FM 2493, Tyler, TX - 903-534-1884

And.. my .02

Sweet Water Grill (SWG) in Union (east Rockwall county) on 276 has multiple bars, outside area and live music

Bottle Cap Grill in Greenville.  AVOID!  No Colors allowed at GVL or Dallas locations

Texas State Meeting 2023

Been planning this since it was initially announced ... ... hell, already looking forward to '24 in Austin and '25 in Granbury area!   I'd told a few about it, but was fairly quiet overall.  Chief couldn't make it due to other plans.  Dutch locked in towards the end.  Goose had mentioned a week or so out, and we had similar routes so we locked in together.  Smitty would join us.  Boudreaux was in from the get-go.   Boot's was quiet about it all, but showed.   So, Thursday morning at 0900 most of us met in Cash TX and rolled South.  We took the 'long' way on 2 lanes and hit some construction towards Ennis that cost us a half hour...but... overall ... stayed dry, temps rocked in the low 80s, and had a great ride with zero incidents .. well, if you don't count a brutal pothole or two, and our airborne pack flying over a railroad track worthy of Dukes of Hazzard footage?   All arrived in one piece.   Split off to 3 different hotels and cleaned it up.

Sipped on a cold one at the hotel, then over to Jokers Bar/Grill for our meet and greet.  Several miles down the road, we're rolling into an evening worthy of mention.  Outside area was packed, saw a lot of familiar faces, beers were flowing, appetizers were good and ....  we're decompressing and starting this weekend off right.  Wine Joe has joined us coming in earlier that day. Never ceases to amaze me all the familiar faces from other chapters you see at these.  Before we get lit up, we're rolling back to our respective hotels....  where...we head downstairs for some nightcaps.  Our hotel (Marriott Courtyard) is having a reunion for the First Cav so we get to meet a lot of good folks and share a few stories.  Few of them rode with the Vietnam Vets MC over the years and shared of few of their stories and pics.   Closed down the bistro in the lobby ... and pulled the plug.

Lucy is rolling in today caging it, so our morning is calm and relaxed.  Around 1145 she rolls in, unpack the Jeep, get her leathered up and we're headed out for grub.  We decided an a hole in the wall called Tank's Pub a few miles down the road.  Their cook never showed, but we had some cold ones, started the day off right with good stories, shared a few with the waitress (stories) .. .and .. we're off to find some real food; Tilted Kilt it is.   Five of us park it (Smitty has joined us), about another various dozen CVMA members behind it.. and soon eating some great food.  Waitress is a rock star, and she's a hit with our group.    But, we've got bike night still so take a break at the hotel a mile away, then head out a few miles to the VFW which is .. packed!   They get us parked in the mix of the party, vendors everywhere, colds ones served inside and we find the rest of 23-11 and have our own lil party in the mix.  Hollywood, Mario and Wingnut are now in the mix coming in earlier that day.  Music is jamming around us, Pizzas from one of the vendor trucks is truly awesome, buckets of beer that Mario provided.... what more could you ask for?  Towards the end, Matt/Roadrunner is cranking tunes via his FLTR Roadglide ... and ... I'm friggin drooling.  This is borderline concert shit...  sounded awesome.  I'm soon asking questions, figure out who did his work ( they had their SxS next to us also cranked) .. and .. I'm scheming. I really need to take my FLTRX down there and have it done right......soon.  I'm starting to get a lil fired up so it's time to head back, while we still can!  LOL.  Fifteen minutes later, hotel, cleaned up, back to the lobby.  Really liking this place.

23-11 Audie Murphy Chapter
(post mtg pic)

Well, it's day of the meeting.  Moving a lil' slow, start time of 0900 so we get there with time to spare, locate everyone,   Mario has the guidon and parks us up near the front, we've got plenty of space (gotta' stretch out!) and by 0900 we've got the meeting started.  We've got a lot of folks here, but the extra seating makes it look ... 'underpopulated'.  We normally have 400+ at these, so should be interesting to hear what the final attendance numbers are.  A lot of things are going on this morning.   Dutch will brief the 23-11 SCOM for next year.  We get a teaser for the '24 State in Austin.  CONT will be elected our new Texas SAA (we have two in TX due to our size; approximately 10% of the total CVMA!), with KELLOSO stepping down after seven nears (!) Damned that was a close election with Ocho and Cout having to do a runoff.  For '25, Kerrville and Granbury were options with the Granbury chapter getting the vote.   Gotta' admit, I'd hoped for Kerrville for it's awesome riding (3 sisters, etc), but Granbury should be a friggn' blast with some of what they have proposed ( Rodeo, allowed to walk the streets with open containers, etc).  We patched in over a half dozen new members, folks were awarded the Texas Honor Roll patch (which is a big deal!), few were awarded the S&B Patch via Region Rep (again .. a big deal!) ... and several that earned the 23 RIDE TEXAS patch (have to visit ALL 30 chapters).  Dutch asked me about that one .. and ... you know.. I may go for it. I'm already at the 25% mark.. maybe... 2024 is the year to do another 10 or 20 chapters?   Damned it.. got me thinking!   Outside saw Larissa ("Slurpee") from 23-15 and she and Lucy finally got to meet.  She and her hubby have been all over the map and we'll probably see them at a 44-1 event towards the end of the month. After the meeting, do a group pic and our chapter decided to head back to the Tilted Kilt (most hadn't been there) and we're greeted by our fav' waitress (who'd also showed up at the VFW the night before) and there are two other huge groups of CVMA in there.  Bam!   There is an after party which ... I'd planned/assumed we'd hit, but the 4 of us never leave our hotel.  It's a beautiful day, so we hang out around the pool, then back to the lobby / bistro, grab chinese from next door ... and as always... damned .. time to pull the plug.  Tomorrow we head home.

Lucy is packed up in the Jeep around 0800 and headed out.  Hollywood and Wingnut left the day before.  Rest of us are mounted  up and headed out by 1000 hrs.  We've opted to head straight up I-35 since it's a Sunday and make some good time. I really prefer 2 laners, but this will play out nicely.  In Terrel we decided to detour for a few cold ones at SWG and some grub.   Turns out to be the perfect finale to a great weekend.

Barely made it through a movie last night.  Didn't realize how exhausted I was.  After nine hours of coma time in that bed.... here I am typing.   And, planning my next ride. Can't help myself....

KRUSH Prepped and Ready to Roll

Tank's Pub

Tilted Kilt

Meet n Greet

Bike Night

Bike Night

Bike Night

Bike Night

Patch in Ceremony

Patching In

 

Pool side - Saturday Afternoon

Our Tilted Kilt Rockstar

Ladies found the ONLY guy in a Kilt

They made me a 'sammich!  (inside joke)

Headed North

POWER

The Guitar Reveal

What a great evening.  Week or so ago, SwampRat let us in on a secret...a plan .. he had.  Back in '18 this guitar was won in a raffle at an event that Dutch hosted for around a decade.  Well, over the years it got some abuse.  SwampRat came into possession of it, had it 'restored' and had as many of the chapter in as possible, with no knowledge for what was about to go down.  I believe Dutch was truly overwhelmed with this gesture and the guitar is now where it should be. 

Overall the afternoon/evening rocked.  Short scenic ride to SWG for 1/2 of us, great fellowship ..... felt like .. the way it's supposed to feel like?  I see good days ahead for 23-11.

SWG

Lucy and I on KRUSH

Wingnut : Road Captain

Kat and Chief

 

Nance and Boudreaux

x

Dutch rolling in his cage, aware only that he had to cage so he could carry something back

RVR '23

 REGION 5 RALLY

Man .. been planning this one for 11 months... as soon as I caught wind of dates .. blocked the calendar.  Hotel locations? Reservations made in La Vernia.  Location change?  New reservations in Floresville.  Had put this out there on GIO eleven months ago.  Crickets.  Put it out there to my local guys I ride with "Senor Rebels" ...   only Chief could make the ride.  So, Friday morning we're headed out.  Weather forecast says possible rain, but we won't feel a drop over the next few days.....

KRUSH

Two Lanes, Day One

We decide to head south on two laners to enjoy a stress free ride.   I broke one of my own rules and didn't 'plan' out the route and keep it on my gas tank with roads/turns.  I simply put  La Vernia in the GPS and told it to avoid highways.   For the next several hours we were going down roads I'd never heard of before, but I could see on the GPS screen it made sense.   But... La Vernia?  Yeah.. I messed that one up.  They are close together, but ... when we were south of Austin it was messing with my GPS directions...  To add a lil fuel to the fire....   it got HOT.   Was in the upper 70s when we left, but 1/2 there was up to 99.  By the time we'd roll in it had been 103/104 for over an hour.  WTF?   Last few stops I was pouring a water over my head for every one I chugged.   But, we survived.....  Checked in, showered up, cooled down ... and we're off

We headed to Bike Night which is closer to La Vernia/San Antonio at Texas Pride BBQ.  This place was awesome, reminding me of Strokers with the way they integrate bike parking in the mix.   Nice and cool in the shade, BBQ wasn't too bad, beers were ice cold , bartenders were cute and served them up with comments (working them tips!).  Saw Skrape right off the bat, few other folks from 6-1 we keep running into, headed over to 23-25s table and picked up some challenge coins and a Region 5 etched knife ...  and enjoyed the evening.  But, couple hours later we snuck out and headed back (about 25 min ride).  Grabbed a 12 pack on the way back to the hotel .. and .. pulled the plug.

Morning is quickly upon us and headed over the event center.  You could swipe in the night before or here at the entrance.  We're soon gobbling breakfast burritos, the meeting is under way at 0900, patch in ceremony for a full member and an aux.  Then, 99% of the place emptied out, mounted bike and headed to a local Veterans home and Boomers for a drive by.  Boomer was in an awful bike accident a few weeks back and is laid up.  I don't know any details beyond the fact someone did a U turn on him in the middle of a 2 lane country road and took him out.  Broken wrists, ribs .. lots of broken ribs...   lacerated liver .. etc.   Brutal.  So, about 200(?) bikes rolled out and headed out of town.   Got to admit riding through both the Veterans home and Boomers neighborhood teared me up.   Boomer was able to get out in the street as we roared by him showing our love and respect.  Then, we're back to Floresville.  Most headed back to the Event Center; may ass was back to the hotel to get out of the heat and throw down a few cold ones.  Later on that afternoon, back to the Event Center to visit with folks, won a bottle of bourbon via the raffle, didn't win the cool AR15, got some ink on my forearm... then ...back to the hotel.  Grabbed the remaining twelve pack, headed down stairs and drank a few with my brothers down there.

We're determined to beat the heat so alarm set for 0500, leg over the bike at 0600 and we're rolling.  Since it's a Sunday morning (less traffic) make the decision to take the fastest route.  We're soon on 130 (tollway) where the speed limit is posted at 85, and we're rolling a notch under 90.  Hour later, sucking gas, feeling up and .....   rolling.  Temps are still in the 80s and this ain't as brutal as the trip down.  We jump onto Hwy 34 at Italy and ....   less traffic and BS.  By the time we roll into the driveways a lil past 1130 hrs, temps are  low 90s, and we put a lil over 800 miles on the last 60 hrs or so.  

Next up ..... .TX State in a few weeks down in Killeen (Ft Hood)!

Rolling South

God Bless Tejas

Bike Night

Bike Night

Bike Night

Headed out Saturday Morning for THE ride

Boomer in Action

Time to Step up

Nominated for Chapter Commander.  Accepted the Nomination last night.  Bio sent in a few moments ago.   Voting at the next meeting. Next month I step into the role or we continue down the current path.

Let's see what the future holds........

CC ... getting called out

Well, about 11 months ago I was talking shit and wrote it here  >>  (If I was Commander ....) <<.  I was dissatisfied with the way things were being run and ranted in my own way, here about a 'what if' situation.  I was thinking about "what would I do... how would I do it...." few years from now when I stepped up.  What I didn't see coming was what happened the following month.

Some of the folks I was 'unhappy' with, with how they managed, were now trying to boot me from the Organization using our bylaws as the basis.  I still disagree with how it all went down. I disagree with the follow on 'punishment.'   That all being said, I understand a protocol was violated.  However, I personally believe a few POS's were simply trying to boot me.  The humorous part now is most of them are gone themselves.  Good.  A House Cleaning was needed. If I see them out in public I doubt I'll even acknowledge their presence.  Good Riddens. Bye. See Ya Bitches.

Is what it is.  Folks did what they did either because they wanted to fuck me over or they got caught up in the herd mentality.  As I've stated before, I admit I was wrong.  I violated a protocol I was unaware had been updated literally days prior.  My timeline does not jive with the timeline of others during the investigation.  Sorry .. I was there.  I know when / how I did things.   I know why I did what I did.  But when the smoke cleared, at the core I fucked up.   Done.  Past. Obviously won't happen again.  Fact of the matter is ..... a discussion with the SAA and/or CC had they done their job here locally, would have brought the same solution, same result .... but ...ten months later, here we are.  When the smoke cleared I missed a few rides to Sanctioned events I'd planned. Shit happens. Additionally, got some clarity on how to handle things in the future, circles of trust .. blah blah ..   

So, less than a year ago I found myself in a shitty spot. I was pissed beyond a point what many realized.  I considered a lot of options, but reminded myself of some of the things I've written about over the years.  So, I parked my emotions, waited things out, began planning on how to do additional things beyond my group here locally.  Decided how to handle some problem folks.  A plan to press on in a positive manner.  What I didn't plan on was the situation I'm now in.

Nominated for CC.  Wasn't on my radar.  Folks have brought it up multiple times the last few months, but I downplayed it.  Some have been trying to get me to do this for the last four years.  I may not have liked what I saw but I wasn't ready to step up. I travel a LOT.  Business travel and personal travel; my job is wherever I go. I take my laptop and cell phone and could work from the moon if AT&T could get their shit together with cell tower service? 

Got to tell you ... the last five years have been interesting.  My first two years put a smile on my face.  Our CC .. hell, most of our CEB, were a lil' wild.  Probably too much drinking, too much cussing  .. but I dug it.  We had the young group .. and the ...um... lets call it the mature group.   Basically two cliques.  I belonged in the old group, but tried to hang with the young guys.  Then after some crazy BS, the chapter ...we ...found ourselves with an immature 'leader' who I thought was a mess, but it sort of worked.  Then he and I bumped heads, I didn't back off.  Few months later (nothing to do with me), he was out.  Threw in his backpatch.  My thought?  "Fucking Pussy."

Then we had a new 'leader'.  Never 100% trusted that one.  Always felt like there was a hidden agenda.  Some folks don't do well at the top; it goes to their head.  I believe this was the case.  Then this person came at some ... then me.  He failed .... then ... thew in his patch. Gone.  My thought?  Fucking Pussy.  Good news is he took a few other clowns with him.

Since then, we've been ... well .... just sort of staying afloat. Folks have stepped up.  Things are getting done.  But, deep down something feels off to me.  Maybe it's because of the shit that went down with me a few months back.  Maybe I'm right.  Maybe I'm wrong.  But either way ... I've been nominated to step up or shut up.

As I write this ... I believe I'll step up.  I've done my resume, with a humorous twist.  Yes, the position is a serious one.  But ....  I'm not that guy.  I still work a job and that shit has enough stress.  But our chapter ... doesn't need the BS ... the Drama ....  we need a group doing good things and enjoying the ride along the way.  Some believe I'm the person to step up and make that happen.  Problem is... I can't give 100%. But I believe me running at 75% ... 80% . 90% ... full throttle is more effective than what I've seen the last three years.  I travel for pleasure and business often.  Just need to keep my schedules straight.  Keep communications open between key players.  Attempt to steer a ship of sorts, in the correct direction?  It was pointed out to me 4 plus years ago, the CC doesn't really have any 'power.' Hell, you can't even really vote (I need to double check that fact).  Your job is to steer this ship full of  all of us Type A crazies and hold on for the ride?

We shall see....  still debating

WHOOPS.... wearing these will get your ass kicked!

 

Crazy what you can find if you look hard enough?  Now being stupid enough to put on a vest as a non member and wear it in Public .. that'd be risking one's life? :)