Bastrop Chili Cook-off Benefit

Three weeks ago, The great state of Texas suffered terrible losses in the Bastrop area from wild fire. The biker community responded true to their colors by attending a chili-cook-off benefit for the victims of the fire. The organizers arranged for two groups of riders to converge at the same time as a show of support for those victims. Rainman and I loaded up the bike with water for him (he was the driver) and a six pack for me. We met up with the group going at Gruene Harley Davidson shop just outside of New Braunsfels. The group from Austin was scheduled to leave at 12:00 noon as were we so that we would converge on the San Marcos Toyota Dealership where the cook-off was held at the same time.

It was business as usual for the Harley shop as we pulled in. But on the outside, they had several vendors set up to sell their wares. They had the bandana lady, the accessory ladies and there was a group of cub scouts selling popcorn. Two local radio stations were there jamming their songs and giving riders a chance to meet their favorite DJ's. We paid for got our arm bands for the benefit and kicked back to enjoy some conversation with the other riders. We had a little time so we went in the shop to check out the new 2012 Harley's they had in stock. There was a beautiful white and silver ultra-classic for only 23,000.00. Rainman wanted to play a trick on mom by texting her that he was going to see what the payments on that baby would be. Of course the only response we got was “OH HELL NO!!!”

The call finally came over the loudspeaker for all bikes to line up. We got our bike in line with the others were about in the middle of the pack. The call soon came to fire up. The thunder rolled on through the hills of New Braunsfel as the bikes warmed up. The lead bike headed out and we didn't make it out of the parking lot when a car decided to drive into the middle of the pack (right in front of us). It wasn't a very smart move on the behalf of the driver of that car. Had that dumbass hit one of us bikers, there would have been over 200 hundred of us beating the shit out of him. Luckily he turned off and got out of the pack as quick as he got into the middle of us.

Thirteen miles later we pulled into the San Marcos Toyota dealer on I.H.35. It was timed perfect as about 300 bikers from Austin arrived at the same time. The thunder from the bikes was defining. People were cheering us on as other were in total awe at the sight of our arrival. The dealership anticipated our arrival and had cleared out their used car lot for us to park in. We found that they had set up over 12 different chili-cook off contestants and had sausage wraps, soda, water and other stuff all for donations.

It was fun walking around being with other bikers and watching women try to hula-hoop and the big guys try to show up the Marines booth by doing pull-ups. We tried about seven different types of chili and they were all very good. The only thing I was disappointed in was there wasn't anyone with the “Hot Lava” type chili. Don't get me wrong, all of the chili we tried was good. But this is Texas and we are home of the hottest chili in the country. I guess the weather wasn't cold enough for it. Well anyway, the benefit raised over $10,000.00 for the victims of the fire. One family also received a new Toyota to replace the car they lost in the fire, courtesy of the San Marcos dealer.

I just wanted to say thanks for all the hard work to those who helped work to make this benefit a complete success. It takes a lot of effort to make something like this happen. I would also like to thank all of those who made chili for the competition. They were all very good chili's. What makes everything so worth while is seeing the faces of the victims as you help them out.

Ride Hard or Stay Home.

Pig

P.S. There will be another chili cook-off at the Deer-Crossing Saloon on October 15, 2011 benefiting children in CPS and foster care. Rainman and I will be entering this one with our version of what chili should be. Come on out and cheer us on to victory and help support the kids. Look for us and you might be able to have your picture taken with me and get posted here on my blog.

Peace and love.

Pig