We had a blast dedicating the monument to Willie. Wino's three surviving children, Patricia, Billy Clyde and Terrie joined us as well as grandchildren Dusty, Jessie and Megan. It was a thrill to have the family with us for this great celebration. This was Pat's first visit to Hollister and I think she was a little blown away by the impact her father had on the motorcycle riding community. To her, Wino was just Dad. Her folks were fun loving people who had lots of parties with a lot of wild and crazy bikers in attendance. I would loved to have had more time to pick her brain for what I'm sure would be some very interesting stories. This was Terrie's third visit I think. She and I have enjoyed many lively conversations. She is the youngest of the clan and has many great memories. Billy Clyde had not been back since he came in 1996 with Wino. From what I hear he had to be talked into coming with his dad back then. I know he's thrilled to have made the last trek to Hollister that his father would enjoy. There were not as many Boozefighters in attendance as we would have liked to have seen but apparently there were scheduling issues. The Northern California chapter was having their big annual Spring party on April 11th and since it was the Saturday before Easter many of the members had family weekend plans.
I had the privilege of being invited to the Boozefighters National Convention in Reno last weekend. My bartender, Kat and I hitched a ride with Tick's bride Nina. She and Coach's wife Cheryl were great travel companions. We all had a great time and Kat and I were treated like royalty. It was a ball being in a casino surrounded by green and white shirts. I hope they have it there next year. I'm in if they do. I got to meet Boozefighters from all over the country and had many great conversations about Boozefighter history. There is talk of having a re dedication during the fourth of July weekend that more Boozefighters can take part in. It will be tough getting all of the family back here. Patricia is missing a hip. Getting around is a tough task much less making a long road trip. There is the funds issue too but God willing we will pull it off. The Boozefighters are a determined bunch.
Speaking of the fourth of July. Yes it's true our unimaginative, wimpy city council has canceled our rally again. The exorbitant and unnecessary costs of law enforcement keep our rally from being a profitable one and neither our city manager or city council are willing to do anything about it. Sorry folks, I call them like I see them. If I had the time to be on the council I would see to it that the only event that brings more than 100,000 people to town every year becomes and stays a successful one. The council would love to see it stay as long as it didn't involve any work on their part and they aren't required to keep a lid on law enforcement costs. I don't even want to get started on that one. ANYWAY, the party will go on at Johnny's July 2-5 2009. The Northern California chapter of the Boozefighters will have a Charity Bike Raffle on Sunday July 5th @5:00 p.m. at Johnny's. We plan on seeing lots of bikers fourth of July weekend. The bar will open at 7:00 a.m. Friday July 3rd through Sunday July 5th. You don't want to miss this party!
