Thursday, Sep. 01, 2011

The Geek Start

Eric "Big E" Rutherford

 

In my last column I recapped a visit to the local Harley-Davidson dealership, but I forgot to include what was obviously the highlight of my wife Sissy's day. When it happened I promised her I would include it in the last column, but it really did slip my mind.

Here's what you missed: As we were leaving the dealership I settled into the saddle of my Road King, donned my shades, raised my kickstand with a snap, and fired the start button. Normally, this is one of my favorite moments, as the V-twin motor roars to life and I brace myself for Sissy to climb on behind me as we head off to our next adventure. Not this time though.

This time, in plain view of several fellow riders and wannabes at the home town Harley-Davidson Open House I did what I refer to as the "geek start." I forgot to put my motorcycle in neutral and failed to pull the clutch lever in (it takes two blunders to successfully perform this move) resulting in the unmistakably uncool, odd-sounding misfire and clumsy lurch forward that sent my head whipping back, my elbows flopping as I gripped the handlebars, and both feet and legs flailing wildly to land on pavement as I scrambled to keep the 800-pound bucking bronco beneath me from tipping over or running into nearby parked cars and motorcycles. Much like seeing someone trip on a curb, you can't help but laugh - unless you are that person, and then you just can't help but feel stupid. I did both, while being sure not to make eye contact with any onlookers. Sissy, being the good wife and passenger that she is, tried her best - unsuccessfully - to suppress her laughter as she climbed on back.

Music soothes the savage beaver

One of my favorite biker hangouts (although people from all walks of life are always welcome), The Beaver Bar at the County Line has taken a major leap forward in the local music scene. In addition to a couple of significant upgrades, including an expanded stage under the outdoor pavilion, and the addition of a hydraulic stage to be used for special shows, the Beaver Bar has landed the rights to present many of the musical acts that were booked at the now-defunct Beach Wagon in Myrtle Beach. (It's worth mentioning that The Sun News reported that the Beach Wagon's former manager Steven Davisson cited changes made by Myrtle Beach city officials to disrupt the annual motorcycle rallies as contributing to the decision to shut down the venerable country music venue after 32 years.) Upcoming shows at The Beaver Bar will include Lee Brice, Sunny Sweeny, Brett Eldridge, Colt Ford (appearing Sunday), Uncle Kracker, and Tracy Lawrence.

Remembering 9/11

On Sept. 11, the Beaver Bar will host its 2nd annual 9/11 Prayers for Patriots Benefit from noon until 7 p.m. outside under the pavilion. There will be an honor guard, live music, food, and a $3,000 reverse raffle. The Beaver Bar at the County Line is located at 3534 U.S. 17 Business in Murrells Inlet. For more information, visit www.BeaverBar.net.

Ride for four-legged friends

The 11th annual Ride for the Animals will be held Sept. 17. Registration will be from 10 a.m. until noon at the North Myrtle Beach Harley-Davidson shop at 4002 U.S. 17 South in North Myrtle Beach. Registration is $25 per person, which includes your poker hand and an event T-shirt (while supplies last). There will also be a street rod/classic car and motorcycle show following the run. For more information, call 249-4948.

Bike Night at MB-HD

Myrtle Beach Harley-Davidson will hold the second of four scheduled Bike Nights on Sept. 15. The main dealership, located at 4710 South Kings Highway, will provide free food, drinks, music, and games from 6 to 8:30 p.m.

Fall rally opps

I am seeing more opportunities for Fall Motorcycle Rally (Sep. 28 - Oct. 2) event promotions. Local artist Don "Thunder" Baggett (whose artwork has graced the cover of Surge on a few occasions) creates the rally locator map that will blanket the Grand Strand. If you want to advertise your business on the custom-drawn map, contact him at 222-0327. Jamin' Leather has posted opportunities for custom motorcycle builders or dealers and street performers to set up at its store. Contact Jamie Keats at 839-5255. You can also add free events to the Jamin' Leather Event Calendar online at rally.jaminleather.com/events/login.php. Vendors interested in space at the main Harley-Davidson dealership or Barefoot Landing shop should contact Myrtle Beach Harley-Davidson at 369-5555.