2010 Rallies & Events
Lone Star Rally Part 2
Story and photos by Rodent
I like Galveston for ambiance, architecture, and the Seawall, but I hate the heat and humidity. I can live with it for a few days as the Lone Star Rally is worth it. It could become a much larger event as it has three prerequisites ― location, location, location. Galveston is almost a bur of the Houston metroplex of millions of people, many of them motorcycle enthusiasts.
Once again I shared accommodations with Robert Fila, Thunder Press’ Southern editor, at the Holiday Inn Sunspree across the street from the Gulf of Mexico. I checked-in on Wednesday which is setup day for the vendors, and it was pouring rain. Oh well, shit happens. Thursday was supposed to be windy but the weatherman was wrong and it was a sunny, cool day.
This rally is shaping up to be huge. New venues like The Limpnickie Lot’s The PIT Bar on the Strand under the management of Sasha Mullen and crew. Vendors set up on the Seawall and downtown private lots. Other attractions were the Rat’s Hole’s first Texas show, music, and Broken Spoke’s Jay Allen handling the mike at various venues. Just wandering around enjoying Galveston and the people while taking a few pictures is more enjoyable when the vibes are good from everybody you meet.
Once again the Lone Star Rally was a great time in a great location. The best can only get better and kudos to the production gang and to all the people who worked hard to make it happen again. Also, a big thanks for all the courtesies extended to this unworthy person, especially the executive parking privileges. I can’t say enough about the pleasure of attending the Lone Star Rally on Galveston Island, Texas.
It wouldn’t be me if I didn’t complain about a danger that exists in Galveston. There are potentially dangerous trolley tracks all over the Strand party area do be aware crossing them on a bike. Cross them on the sharpest angle possible. Be careful around parallel rails. You are in real danger of disaster if you catch a wheel.
One last matter ― the debate over the total number of attendees. It was definitely larger than last year and I’d say it was larger than Sturgis. Tens of thousands came to Galveston. According to the head meteorologist of Gulf Department of NOAA, this Island of some 46,000 residents sank one-millionth of centimeter at the height of the rally at low mean tide! “Amazing,” he declared. “A first. Must be lots of motorcycles, heavy ones at that!”