Ignacio Bike Week

DATELINE IGNACIO, COLORADO, SOUTHERN UTE TRIBAL FAIRGROUNDS---Does she look familiar? She shouldn't. It's alarming to turn the corner on the thoroughfare at Igancio Bike Week and see this mug. No worries, she's one of many mannequins utilized by Howlin Helmets, a high-end helmet maker across the way. Here's the skinny. We landed in Ignacio, the head rally peeps surveyed our rig and promptly upgraded us from downtown to the rally fairgrounds. And we aren't just anywhere on the native dirt, we are the very first, most visible vendor in the entire joint! In exchange, despite the pleadings from our lawyer and insurance agent, we are co-sponsoring an INDOOR burnout pit. That just means we hang a sign, volunteer our tow services and pray to the rubber gods that plenty of machisimo-thill seeking dudes blow out tires while spinning in a circle and ramping up every gear they can (video forthcoming). And yes, hold harmless contracts have been printed en masse. The tribal fairgrounds are nice digs. They have vendors in and around their racetrack, an area for games and such for children, food and other vendors. Our setup is the first anyone will see after buying their rally bracelet. Across from us is a patch dude, who is flanked by the helmet folks. Next to us is J.D. "Junkyard Dog," who has patented his own motorcycle shock absorber system. You can literally flip a switch and have your ride go up or down. LED guys next to J.D. The young men from the "adult" store stopped by and dropped off biz cards. Rally officially kicks off tomorrow at 9 a.m. Rally gate opens at noon. I'm not sure what will unfold here. We had our first customer tonight (that can be a good sign) but this is a rally that is rebuilding itself after some tough years. The weather is typical Colorado - hot as all get out, then windy, rainy and finally cool. I have a gut feeling that something surprising will happen tomorrow and in the long run, we may fare OK. The rally folks, like Iowa, are bending over backwards to make sure we are takin care of. Our setup here looks as good as it ever has, for which I am proud and grateful. The proceeds here will go to the Ignacio Chamber, a non-profit that pours funds back into the community. The town looks good, the tribe thriving and there is a helluva good deli down the road that is run by a screaming New Yorker and his wife. One of the better Philly cheesesteaks (and a grinder) we've had this far west. Tell your friends and neighbors and others to ride to the Four Corners this week. Steep discounts abound! Doggies are well and Ding and I sleeping solid, eating better and enjoying this second half. More soon from the front. Ding, Hol, Thumper and Bob....(hi to Mouse the cat!)