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Well, here we are at the end of July back for journey #2. I'd like to say that I predicated correctly when I said that THW was worth the drive because it was OFF THE HOOK. Like most people, I went with preconceived notions of some of the rides, and the people that I thought would be there. I'm glad opinions can change though. When we left redneck country (GA), the trip was pretty uneventful with the exception of the I-20 road construction that has been going on since at least 1995. After going to Oklahoma to drop off our son at the grandparents and swim in the pool, we were off to Austin. Arriving in Austin Thursday afternoon, we checked in, picked up a friend at the airport, met some other early arrivers, and got ready to be at the show early on Friday. Arriving EARLY Friday morning at the show was everyone's idea as the line went out of the grounds on to the road in front of the show grounds. Check in went quick once the gates were opened and the THW staff went to work. The rides at THW this year were great with an abundant amount of variety, from old cars/trucks to brand new 2000s, and every level of customization possible. Friday, as people checked in their rides, they were also checking out the competion, and scouting out the best parking to catch the eyes of the judges as well as the spectators that came to look. Some of last year’s top winners were back to try their hand at winning some Texas size trophies once again. Rides such as Radar's LoSpacecab from NC, Adam Mondragon's famous orange Lincoln from , and Jeff Lander's Hell Raiser from NC, and my very own primered Nissan that was making it's first major show of the year, showed up. Other cover and feature vehicles were on display for people to see as well. As for the people well that came in a large variety as well. I met some cool people for the first time in person that I had only talked to as I'm talking to you via the Internet. Since I used to live in Texas, I also got to hook up with people I hadn't seen in years. This brought back memories of when I bought my first truck already done, yes I bought a truck but it's what brought me into this way of life and I'm still in it 10 years later. For you single guys, there were plenty of ladies to draw your attention, and even for the married guys there was the opportunity to remember how it felt to go to shows to pick up the hotties. The wild people came out at night while the laid back silent people went to dinner and back to the hotel. Of course some wildness can happen at the hotel.
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As Sunday rolled around the excitement level was still high as I was still hanging with friends and hoping for a trophy in my class. THW experienced its first hail storm in a long time with a tornado warning as well. The excitement was high for others that won trophies or got shot for magazines including this one. One person got escorted away for walking around with his ass hanging out for the world to see (I hope he didn't go to jail as he was just trying to have some fun). One guy sitting in our area was so wore out that he not only passed out at the awards but pissed all over himself in the process. So all in all THW lived up to my expectations and then some. To all the people I got to meet thanks for taking the time to hang out with a simple guy from GA and his wife. I look forward to hanging out with everyone next year and hopefully if we live out there by then one of the parties can be at our house. Till next month be good, and try to meet some new people in our sport. Taking time to talk to a younger person that's getting into this way of life, or trying to meet someone you look up to is easier then people think. In the past I had a different opinion of some of the people I got to meet this past weekend for the first time. So using my own advice I'm now trying not to prejudge people just because of their ride, club, or what have you, but on the actions they do around me or how they treat me. If you approach me and I don't know you, as long as you’re cool to me, I'll be cool to you. Yes, it's hard sometimes to walk up to someone you don't know and try to introduce your self and have a conversation but WE all have something in common, the building of bad ass rides. You were a newcomer once too. Later allRussellAnything less is everything else.
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