(Click Pictures to Enlarge)
Yes, Paris, Texas does indeed have it's own Eiffel Tower, although considerably smaller and sporting a multi-gallon red cowboy hat.
The Best Western Inn of Paris, Texas was the host motel for this event.
The Ride Around Texas (RAT) and The Texas In-State 1,000 began from this motel earlier in the week. Many MTF'ers arrived throughout the week, participating in organized flower-sniffin rides, demonstrations, or simply exploring the area.
Old friendships were renewed and new friends made during the many parking lot bull sessions.
Buck Lemme of Dances with Turtles Fame.
Art Garvin gave a very informative parking lot Tire Plugging Demonstration using two different kinds of plugs.
Anyone willing was encouraged to try their hand at plugging the tire.
Jack Sholemire and Tim Yow
Jack's custom axillary fuel cell was a thing of beauty!
BMW R1200 RT's were plentiful!
Don Braziel (Braz)
Joe Freeland and Mike Blevins
An old riding buddy and his wife drove up from near Dallas to take me out for some "REAL" Texas Brisket. I had to agree, it sure was good!
Jim Ragon's bike trailer was of special interest to me. Extremely well built and the back end folds up allowing the trailer to be stored upright, standing on it's tail, when not in use. It is more than capable of carrying a full size touring bike.
The banquet was held Saturday night. I counted somewhere in the neighborhood of a hundred people in attendance. Announcements included new Board Members, next year's rides and events, and the location for next years Founders Feast. Certificates were also given to the RAT and Texas In-State riders. Mike Kneebone (President of The Iron Butt Association) joined us for the dinner and participated in the awards ceremony.
After the BBQ Brisket Dinner, drawings were held for numerous door prizes.
I can't say enough about the quality of the event. No detail was overlooked. The rides, the food, the parking lot camaraderie was great!
If you don't think every day is a good one, just try missing one. ~Cavett Robert~
The doors of wisdom are never shut. ~Ben Franklin~