It pays to tell the truth.
We showed up early to the Wyoming State HOG Rally at the time posted for the bike wash and to get our ABC picture, but they were behind with setting up and there were no banners to be found for our picture. The Regional Manager for HOG happened to be at the registration table setting up, and our conversation was entertaining. To understand the conversation, we must first tell you a little story about our local HOG chapter to which we belong (Cut and Shoot, Texas Chapter). Our chapter is known for their “banner bandits.” They sweep into rallies, steal the banners, then display them at the chapter meeting and share their stories for fun. All the banners that have been collected are displayed at the annual Christmas party.
Now, you have to understand that in the HOG culture, this is like playing a game between siblings. Our chapter president was clear to tell the chapter in our last meeting that this is not an authorized activity of the chapter. It is an arrest-able offense. For example, to steal a banner that is worthwhile might even be a felony. And while it has always been a “tradition” in the Cut and Shoot chapter, it is not the Chapter’s directive to do so. (He said this with a wink and many laughs from the crowd). So far, no one has gone to jail, but some shooters have been known to evade the police. More on that in a minute.
O.K. With that in mind, we move back to the Rally.
So we went into the banquet room where they were setting up for the rally. We asked, “where is the ABC banner? We’d like to get our picture.” Seriously, this is all we wanted to do.
He saw our vests. “Oh you’re from Cut and Shoot! You probably want to steal the banner.” Our chapter’s reputation preceded us. “If I know anyone from Cut and Shoot is coming I’m going to be prepared. I’ll nail the banners to the wall.” He went on to tell us that he didn’t mind if HOG members take the banners after the event is over, but requests they leave the expensive banners alone, and would like them to leave the ABC banner alone until after the event. Other than that, banners are fair game.
He shared that he had a stern talk with some members from our chapter when they stole the custom-made banner at the latest regional rally. That one didn’t just cost $10. It was more like $1,000. He described the banner, and we recalled seeing it spread across the stage at our last chapter meeting when the group who took it described how they had acquired it with the use of very long poles which they carried in a Taxi. They displayed the banner just before our chapter president gave his speech.
We shared this story with the Regional Manager, and we all had a laugh. Well, we laughed whether he did or not.
“Just because we’re shooters doesn’t mean we are thieves,” was our reply. “We really don’t plan to steal a banner. However, if you have a banner you could give us we’d be happy to share it with our chapter.”
“I’m the Regional Manager, and I could do anything I wanted.” He said.
“He said could,” Tim pointed out.
“Yes, but does that mean he would?” Cindy asked.
“Are there any more of you coming to the rally?” He asked.
“We don’t know, but we don’t think so. There’s a posse ride to Colorado, but we didn’t hear whether they were coming to Laramie.”
And then we noticed the box full of banners behind the registration table, which he reached into, pulled one from the bottom, and said, “do you care what it says?”
“No, we’ll take whatever you give us!” He graciously handed over the banner which we immediately took to the post office and mailed home. We have yet to discover what it says.
There you have it. We have a banner to show off at our next chapter meeting, and we didn’t have to steal it.
The bike was really dirty and we did finally find he bike wash at the rally.
After visiting the Rally and getting our picture, we rode from Laramie to Buffalo. It is the most vast and undeveloped area we have seen. Beautiful scenery with lots of wildlife and at least 100+ miles of countryside at a stretch with no where to stop. We hope you enjoy the pictures, although it’s hard to capture it all in a few snapshots.
Day Five Stats: Total 1500+ miles to date. 3 ABC points (two HD dealerships and one HOG Rally). One newly acquired Banner.
Notice the rays of sun coming down from the sky. It was an incredible day.
Tomorrow: The bike developed an oil leak on the way to Laramie, so we have to get that taken care of first thing tomorrow. Classic.
Thanks for reading our blog!