I did something I have never done before last weekend. It was all quite by accident, but I met a friend of a friend who took me to the May Daze Rally. I thought we were going to a bar, but it turns out it was a motorcycle rally.I walked in and the first thing I saw were two girls duking it out. "That is my friend P," she said as P got punched. I was reassured that I would not get beat up, that fights are rare, and are usually between females. It was the only fight I saw while at the rally.
I walked by rows and rows of tents and motorcycles. Most everyone looked cool and tough in their bandannas and Harley brand boots, beards, long hair, and piercings. I felt out of place with my Alex P. Keaton look, but no one said anything derogatory. In fact, amazingly, I met so many nice people that I still can't believe it.
Maybe it was because I was introduced as a rally virgin everywhere I went. People laughed briefly, but then usually shook my hand or patted me on the shoulder and said things such as 'welcome brother,' 'when you gonna buy a ride?', 'what do you think so far?', and 'have a beer on me.' I was amazed at the amount of professionals I met: real estate agents, drug reps, and accountants. I guess they are normal people who want to live their weekends on a bike.
After making the rounds and talking with people into the night, I became mesmerized by a young lady that was singing folk songs and playing the guitar around a camp fire. She sounded so much like Janice Joplin, and she was so confident in her singing and playing. She drew a small crowd of very appreciative listeners, and sang into the night.
The hot sun woke me up in my tent the next morning, and I felt like I had been run over like a freight train. I had managed about two hours of sleep. I was starving, and had to pass on the Bloody Marys that were making their way around the camp fire. There was really no need for a fire at this point, but it was still smoldering, and still the focal point of the camp.
I am definitely glad for the experience of attending the May Daze Rally. Does that mean I am in the market for a bike? No, Alex P. Keaton is not a one percenter, not yet. It felt really good to get back home away from the sounds and smells of the rally to nurse my hangover in peace.
4 comments:
Alex P. Keaton -- I think that the mezmerizing Alanis Morissette/Janis Joplin folk singer spiked your drink with Rohypnol and *ahem* gave you a special May Daze virgin special. You really should have a buddy... instead of waking up in a tent with a hangover and a bloody mary, you could have woken up in a bathtub full of ice, and your liver is gone - on the black market.
Where was the May Daze biker fest? I'm proud of you for going outside your comfort zone. You still need a safety buddy. You thought French bitches were deadly? Wait til a biker bitch gets a hold of you, Mr. Keaton.
Next time I go I will give you and D a call. Although if you really have a problem out there, you may need more than one buddy.
While my liver was not gone the next morning, it was screaming like a little girl.
The fest was off the H.E. Baily at one hundred and forty something street.
EEEEEKS!
Margaritaville and a Biker Rally all within the same month?
Get thee to Paris quickly for some culture therapy!
Next you will be wearing a Harley Davidson shirt and I will have to disown you.
Oh and Alex P. Keaton? You are not a Republican!!
I have been dreaming about Paris lately. Dreams in the Paris context are anything from imagining myself walking through the Jardin des Plantes, to browsing the book stalls in St-Michel; or, the really dreamy 'What WOULD it be like to own your own shop in Saint-Germain-des-Prés?' For now, I will keep listening to Vincent Delerm, and dreaming, because I don't see myself making the journey soon.
It is true that I am a Demoncrat. However, if you could imagine Alex P. Keaton walking into a bike rally, that is exactly how I felt....
Thanks to my circle for reading and responding.
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