SURPRISE DING!



Ding greets Billy

IGNACIO, COLORADO SOUTHERN UTE TRIBAL FAIRGROUND THOROUGHFARE---He howled the minute he heard the sound of the aged yellow beast and then came bounding out of the shop, through the entrance gate and bear-hugged a man he hadn't seen in three years. Weeks ago, U.S. Marine Billy Gray and I hatched a plan that had Bill driving more than 1,000 miles from Hondo, Texas, to surprise Ding. Bill and I texted and talked repeatedly and I tracked his whereabout until he landed at the thoroughfare last night about 6 p.m. For warriors who have been in the thick of war's grips and forged brotherhoods that span more than 20 years, face-to-face time is precious and needed for the souls. These Marines are having a blast together! As for the rest of the story - as Paul Harvey would say in that radio voice - the rally has started slow. I shot a picture yesterday of a masive, nearly empty parking lot where I hope and pray several thousand bikers will be sitting soon. That said, we have been steady thanks to the great location on the thoroughfare and our signs and fliers. Our vending space looks as sharp as ever! As I write, they are starting an event in the adjacent arena in which bikers dismount their iron rides and take a shot at live bull riding. I'm  not sure how safe this is - one coordinator says all are welcome to try so long as they're not too drunk. I've moved Ding's EMT bag to the front of the BFT in case medical attention is needed. The tribe members have been very kind and I believe a stroke of good fortune came our way when the head spiritual leader came in for a front tire today. It was nice that Ding asked the gentleman how the group's sunrise prayer service had gone (naturally, I have no earthly idea what occurs at that time of day). Our patch-sewing neighbors did a nice job on Bill's vest with three new items and snap buttons, and the shock folks to the east are friendly and visit occasionally. Tonight the Blue Brothers tribute band plays and the crew haseen patrollin thefairgrounds in an old car, announcing via bullhorn - just like in the movie - that the Blue Brothers are here. We had great pulled pork for lunch and steaks are for dinner (a tradition after we've made our rent money). Bob the Dog and Thumper are the only critters allowed in the rally and we have to keep them leashed most of the time but they are still having fun in this hot, sunny weather. That's all for know folks. Do us a favor and use your social media accounts to tell everyone to head to Ignacio and then Reno Sept. 19. More soon from the thoroughfare.....Hol, Ding, Billy, Bob and Thumper