Drag Specialties has created an annual event that has grown mostly by word of mouth to become one that's wildly desired by the dealers and suppliers that make up the motorcycle business. This year, I'm told, the sign-ups maxed out the event in two weeks. Keep in mind that the requirements to attend -- which include superior sales achievement and a personal desire to ride -- filter out lesser performers and those whose passion for the business doesn't include doing the same thing they want their customers to do -- ride.
Many of the V-Twin industry's best celebrated their businesses during the Lone Star Run. The passion for the sport was overflowing in conversations, and exhibited in the custom bikes and ingenious accessories on display. The participants of this Lone Star Run are still standing -- years after being hammered by the Great Recession. They're not just surviving; they are thriving. In fact, just about everyone I spoke with told me 2012 was a healthy year -- and considering all of the economic distress and political uncertainty, that speaks volumes about the collective and individual capabilities of this V-Twin group.
The Lone Star Run was a very special gathering of some very special people -- from the unsung heroes on the front-line dealerships to motorcycle industry veterans and celebrities like Covington, Fairless, Brian and Laura Klock, the Ness family and Paul Yaffee. I was honored to attend, and I hope it won't be my last rodeo with these passionate riders.
