It’s very common that the world’s best events are short, fast events. The Quail Motorcycle Gathering in Carmel Valley, California, starts at 10am and ends at 3pm as does the Concours d’Elegance at Pebble Beach, California. Willie’s show starts at noon and is over at 4pm which fits right in with the best venues as far as the length of show. As show time approaches, Willie, like any world class event producer, starts to stress over weather, beer, food, music, crowd control, plus myriad real and imaginary possible problems. Willie handles it well; being the professional promoter he’s become.

The day before the event, the property what is basically a very respected and famous tattoo shop with parking areas are converted into the party and show venue Bars and food facilities are setup, banners are hung while the busy Bike Week tattoo clients needs have to be taken care of. And, as either a blessing or a curse, the shop has become ground zero for all the builders and aficionados of this particular style of build. Eye candy comes and goes all week long leading up to the event.

It was a celebrity-filled event with every important industry personage seen to be seen including Cyril Huze, Dave Perewitz, Bobby Seeger from Indian Larry Motorcycles, and Willie G. and Nancy Davidson to name a few. Willie G was a first timer and with Nancy by his side he walked every inch of the show. He totally enjoyed the experience talking with builders, closely examining the bikes, and posing for the inevitable photos with friends, fans, and admirers. This was the last show he attended before announcing his retirement!

A few of the builders from the now defunct Limpnickie Lot had booths along with a BBQ joint and Twisted Tea. Booze and beer was run by the ARNI Foundation that is a local no-kill animal rescue operation. As usual, Roadside Marty handled the dribble emanating from the loudspeakers during the awards finale that signals the show’s over. Within hours the property is restored to almost normal and the ink artists get back to the business of tattooing. Like I said, “Best event of the week!”