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Well, folks if your reading this which happens to be my first article for StreetSourceMag.com then your not out dragging frame or body. So drop your ride down and grab a chair as we journey together for a bit. Our monthly journeys in part will take you through my twisted version of reality, and some of the places I like to go in the world of MiniTruckers' and customizers. At the end of the journey each month I hope to leave you with something that makes you think a little about yourself, the people around you, and this way of life. July's journey takes us to Texas for the Texas Heat Wave. This is by far one of my personal favorite shows. Texas being centrally located it usually attracts rides from the East and west coasts to shoot it out for bragging rights. Last year I even saw one vehicle that came in from Puerto Rico to try and grab some Texas gold. With a mixture of vehicles from all over you also get a variety of styles to choose from. Any way you decide to build your ride your bound to find a class that you can compete in. The rides like I said are awesome. Everything from cover rides to unfinished come to be looked over by the judges and spectators alike. Some rides get their debut at Texas Heat Wave due to unexpected long build ups over the winter, or getting redone right before the show. You can easily spend most of the days just trying to walk through the show field checking out your competition, looking for wild modifications, and meeting up with old friends. Contestants usually are lined up most of the day Friday and Saturday checking in and trying to get the best spots to draw the most attention. Even most golf carts, or other contraptions can be found riding around on bags or juice. Along with the rides goes the partying and other events. Have you ever heard the saying "Everything is bigger in Texas"? If you haven't let me be the first to tell you that it's true. After you've spent the day in the hot Texas sun looking at awesome rides, playing tug a war, watching the burn out contest, and trying to drink enough liquids to stay alive it's time to party. So as the sun sets and everybody goes into party mode things heat up hotter than the daytime temperatures. Nighttime events include the famous wet T-shirt contest, neon's, more burn outs, and Paradise Alley. The wet T-shirt contest for 1999 was quit exciting. Contestants actually enjoyed each other as much as the crowd enjoyed watching them, plenty of flashes went off as cameras and video cams were stuck in the air in hopes of catching the action. Like I said it's Texas so if you didn't get to see it in
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person you can make your own vision of what came off, and got played with on stage. Paradise Alley to a single person can be compared to a kid in a candy store. There's plenty of cruising and lots of people trying to make a connection with somebody if only for the weekend. Last year as my wife and I cruised through we saw one guy being lead around by a leash as the couple walked by our truck his female master at the time stopped to have him orally please her on an unsuspecting tailgate. It was an unexpected, but not out of the ordinary event to the people who were watching. Other things can usually be swapped for like a barter system beer for (you fill in the blank). As a married person it's fun to watch all the nights events even if you don't participate in them. At the end of the weekend hang overs are plenty to go around, and you usually have a few new friends to go along with the old ones. Sunday brings the weekend to a close giving people a chance to get ready to make the drive home, and the presentation of trophies to the top rides in each class. A good time is usually had by all you attend Texas Heat Wave, but if the show isn't enough excitement you can make the short drive to Austin's 6th street to check out the clubs be prepared to walk though as the street gets so crowed at night they have to block it off at both ends. The clubs on 6th street vary to accommodate the different people who come to dance and let loose so like the show there's bound to be something you can enjoy. This year's Texas Heat Wave is sure to be a blast. Every year it seems to get bigger and the competition gets tougher. Soon I'll be polishing up the B. Coddington's, washing the primer, and driving the 15 hours from GA to take my chance at some Texas gold. Some of the excitement for me this year is getting to meet up with people in my club from other chapters who I only know via the phone or email. As our journey comes to an end this month you now have my opinion of a show I recommend you take the time to check out. I would like to thank the staff of this magazine for the chance to write again. I would also like to send a special get well to Charles Armstrong and his family in their time of need. Now get up, and go out to drag some frame or body. Charles Armstrong can be emailed at Pro1ton@aol.com which is a fellow club member of his that sees Charles everyday and would be happy to pass along your emails. Please take the time to wish a fellow trucker a speedy recovery. Until our next journey,Russell Gulow
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