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When I was first approached to cover a show in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands I figured it would be good beach fun and didn’t think much about how the show would turn out. Well I was about to be in for a treat. Upon our arrival onto the island we met up with the boys and headed to the show area to begin pulling the rides into the indoor part of the show. Once the vehicles where set up it was time to hit up some food and drinks. We’d end up meeting at a dive location on the back side of the airport set up off of the main road. As we pulled up we were surprised to see the boys already there and dancing around. With the area we were in only holding about 15 people we were sure to fill it up and get our drink on. If you’ve never ate with a group of Island guys let me prepare you, you will eat a lot of chicken with ketchup. Not a bad thing, it was good shit. They also feed us battered and fried banana for a good ol’ Island delight followed by a few Heinekens. With food in our belly it was time to hit up a club or 2 and get a feel for the island. With dancing out of the way it was time to head back to the hotel after cleaning out the bars. Driving through the back roads to the Hotel we’d drive by what we like to refer to as “Prostitute alley”, If you didn’t know it you’d think that it was just a dance club with a lot of hot island chicks hanging out getting some air. As we drove by with the door of the Astro van open one of the Jacksonville boys would have us stopped long enough to ask one of the girls how much for all of us. With the response of “how many of you are in there” we proceeded to drive off to the hotel laughing.With still sitting on my time zone Tony and I would decide to climb up a dock about 12 14 feet off the water and jump into the bay. Later on come to find out it wasn’t the best of ideas with Barracuda’s swimming around and a not so clean part of the bay. Oh well as it was all about having a killer time and that’s what we were doing.
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With Saturday morning upon us we’d step out on our balcony to over see the bay and other parts of the island. It was one of the best views out of a hotel I’ve ever experienced. Aaaah what it would be like to live the island life! We’d manage to get ready and head to the show location to gather a few rides to take to the stereo part of the show. After dropping the vehicles off us 4 state side boys would head to get a bite to eat then head back to the Stereo show to get some coverage and check things out. One thing that I noticed off the bat was a large stereo scene with very clean installs. With the show ending with a sound off competition the crowds would begin to file out of the stadium and head out to the nightlife for some good fun before continuing the show Sunday.As Sunday arrived we would head to the show and begin checking out the rides as they filed back into the arena. With Island time starting later then what we were used to we were able to sleep off some of the alcohol. When all show entries where set up and clean I began my coverage of the rides and some of the island girls walking around for all you horny guys out there. We’d proceed to talk with new friends we’d made over the past few days and just have a good ol’ time before heading out to the other side of the island to see some of the white sandy beaches. From that side of the island you could see St. Johns along with a couple of other islands. It was truly a site to see. On our way off the beach to hit the show we passed the path of a 4-foot iguana rooming the sand.As we returned to the show people where filling out after awards. Overall for a small community of auto enthusiasts they managed to pull in a huge amount of spectators to go along with the registered vehicles. I was surprised to see the intense competition amongst car/truck owners and the following of the scene on such little islands. They are talking about making this show a tour through a few islands so be sure to check back to see coverage as we gather it and if you ever have the opportunity to make it to one of the shows on the islands I’d hit it up as the locals are friendly, down to earth and great to party with.By Garrick Arends
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