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Event Reports

Run Down The Strip

Article By: Zach Williams Photos By: Heather Callen

Originally Published In The February 2015 Issue Of Cycle Source Magazine
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If you get the pleasure of attending Las Vegas Bikefest and Artistry in Iron, one thing is for sure, and that is you will definitely get your fix of amazing motorcycles. Phenomenal bikes are everywhere, not only in Artistry In Iron (which will blow your mind), but also one of the several bike shows held at Cashman Center. Another attraction that is extremely encouraged is to go see the sights and sounds at Hogs and Heifers Saloon right off Freemont. All this is great but the one thing that should be on everyone’s “must do” list is the Cycle Source Run Down The Strip ride through the desert, sponsored by Law Tigers and Ol Smoky Moonshine, and I’m going to explain why. This year was a bit different for me. I chose to not drink this year at the event at all, and for any of you that know me or have met me at events, that is a bit of a change in pace. The only thing that I can truly say about that situation is thanks for the encouragement from my friends and family in and out of the motorcycle industry.

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This year we had an amazing turn out for the ride, over 100 bikes left the hustle of the city to ride the roads with us. We had the amazing help of Lonnie “Goose” Reed and his people who acted as road guards to ensure the safety of everyone on the ride. I’ve never had the luxury of riding out west to be honest. The majority of my time on a bike has been up and down the east coast and some of the Midwest. This ride changed my whole mindset. I remember looking over at Chris and he could see on my face that I was in pure bliss. I can’t really explain how I felt, but I can tell you that when we were riding through Red Rock Canyon and coming through the mountains, I had a feeling of inner peace, a feeling that I was here to be here at that time, with these people. I mean, sure Vegas is a blast but right out side of town it’s a whole different world.

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We rode out into the desert to the Mountain Spring Saloon for a bit of relaxing and refreshments. Chris and I have started a tradition at this place, and that is a friendly yet competitive game of horseshoes. The only problem with this tradition is that Chris has beaten two years running, so I’m going to practice like crazy before I try and regain some decency next year. The funniest part of my weekend was right before we left the Saloon to head back to the hustle and bustle of Las Vegas, a bunch of us were standing in a small circle listening to story time with Long Jon and Darren McKeag. Folks, these might be some of the craziest, completely true stories that will never see the pages of this magazine. So if you wanna hear ‘em you’ll just have to come next year.

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Heading back was nice and calm, I got to ride side saddle on Penny’s FXR for some quick photos (BTW thanks Penny for letting me use your bike), the beautiful surroundings made me realize what is truly important in life and to really care about each day, you never know when it’s your turn to take the walk back home. When we rolled back into Hogs & Heifers everyone was treated to a pizza lunch from Pizza Rock, well everyone except Chris and Heather…they were missing. As it turns out, the Pan they were on ran outta gas and Chris ended up coasting down eight blocks from an off ramp until a helpful passer by scored him some fuel…hahaha, had to tell on ya brother!

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That’s just my take on the ride in Vegas, but I will say if you get the chance, come out and enjoy it all. Vegas is wild, there is no doubt about it, but with the right group of people and the great places to visit during BikeFest there’s no way that you won’t have a great time, in a city that doesn’t lack a thing.

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