The 2007 Lonestar Round Up (Part 2)

Tardel, Lee and I ended the day by driving our hot rods through the hill country in route to Ranche De Cochran. The weather was incredible, the scenery even more so, and the sounds from the two coupes running together just made me smile. This was hot rodding and it was the perfect exclamation point to another great Roundup weekend.

The Cars
The quality is always up in Austin. This year was no different. The Gibbon’s shoebox, the Pratt Shoebox, Vaughn’s mild custom Ford, the Circle City model-a coupe, the Devil rod, McPhail’s ’56, etc… In the end, I fell for an underdog of sorts. The TJJ/H.A.M.B. pick went to Johnny Watkins’ 1932 Ford sedan (pictured above). It’s an original 60’s era cover car with an incredibly likable personality and an amazing history. They don’t get any more real than that…

The People
The people make the Roundup for me and this year that was an even more prominent theme for a number of reasons. For one, there was the last minute venue change. Things like that just don’t happen so smoothly without a ton of great folks on both sides of the registration form.

Secondly, I had my best two pals in town with me all weekend. You can’t even begin to imagine how much fun hanging out with Kevin Lee and Keith Tardel is ’till you give it a shot. It’s a riot.

Finally, I met more cool folks this year than I think I ever have at any one show and it seemed like every last one of them was a HAMBer. You guys rule.

The Credits
Steve, Will, Brian, and the Kontinentals – Every year I struggle to find the words. I love these guys.

High School Caesar – If you missed them, you suck. Sorry Bubba… And you owe me $40!

Reggie Hill – I missed his cruise yet again, but I must have heard from 20 people that it was the highlight of their weekend. I will be there next year.

Flyrite Choppers – The classiest chopper shop around… Their open house has become a post Roundup tradition.

Every HAMBer in attendance – You guys make me legit.

The Coverage
Here’s a short list…

1. McPhail’s ’56 Chevy
2. Big Dad’s extensive coverage
3. The Fidgeter’s coverage
4. Hat man’s amazing photography part 1
5. Hat man’s photography part 2