Just What the Doctor Ordered
Writing my column this month has been one of the hardest things ever for some reason. Maybe it’s because I’ve spent the last six months stuck in my crappy apartment freezing or perhaps it’s because I have no place to work at or nothing to work on anymore. A lot of my inspiration for this column obviously revolves around experiences involving this way of life, whether it be at the garage, traveling to shows, shows themselves, or anything at all related to the scene. However, when all that’s been really going on in your life is what you can see through the three inch screen on your Blackberry, coming up with a source of inspiration can be rough.
But this past weekend, I walked around Showfest 2010 in Tunica, Mississippi in a stupor, and not just because I may have had one or two adult beverages. The quality of work and lengths that people are willing to go are reaching new levels of impressive in my book. Sure, I have gotten glimpses here and there on various forums of projects that have been underway for months, years, and even in a weekend in one recent case, but you can never really appreciate a build until you get to see it in person. All of the little details that pictures just don’t quite give justice to are suddenly there before your eyes, twisting that flickering light bulb in your brain till it shines with a bright hue. Until then, I had never seen anything ever built by Status or BBT Fabrications, something that I think everyone should see for themselves in person to understand the true definition of quality.
Beyond the shops, several clubs were also out in full force doin’ it big for crowd. All of the big names were there of course, your Severed Ties, Negative Camber, and Relaxed Atmosphere. However, maybe it was just because they were sitting directly behind us or because I was being blinded by giant billet wheels all weekend, but Aftermath was out in force. It was a comforting sight to see that many members of one club just hanging out together, laughing and having a great time while representing their club in high fashion. This isn’t to say that other clubs weren’t doing the same but Aftermath provided the clearest example for sure.
And then there are the people and events surrounding said shows in general. It wouldn’t be a road trip to a show without some sort of awesome break down at some inopportune time, not that they are ever opportune per say. Luckily, our usual breakdown occurred on Friday morning, giving us ample time to unload one truck from the trailer, drive to the local Napa store, and replace the busted water pump and belt on the side of the highway outside of Nashville, Tennessee. Four hours later, a busted upper radiator hose, and several more trailer unloading and reloading adventures, and we were back on our way to Mississippi.
Personally this is just what I needed to get myself out of a slump and back into the swing of things again. Even though most of my own truck has been parted out, the truck itself and rims are still there. Despite my best efforts to be rid of it and be done, it simply won’t go away, not that I really wanted it to in the first place. Maybe it’s fate or a sign from the gods of mini-truckin’ that I need to press onward, to boldly drive lower than most men have ever done before. Okay, maybe that was a bit dramatic but I have been greatly inspired to finally get my truck back on the road at last. It may not be my exact vision, but then again nothing in life is exactly how you pictured it would be. In the end, when I’m cruising about 1/8” off the ground into the sunset, nothing else will matter.
Until next time, keep your heads held high and your trucks low,
Justin Wynn