Checking out the Seventh Annual Big Wheel Rally

Neither Linda nor I had ever heard of the first six Big Wheel Rallies but, when we heard about the seventh, we thought it could be an interesting outing. The promo said to be there by eleven; when we called, they said the rally would roll out around two. We learned that, if you want to be sure to get a parking place and table in the bar, be there at eleven.

We arrived around noon and were impressed when we saw the number and variety of wheeled contraptions apparently entered in the rally. Most had the three wheel, low slung look that reminded me of the namesake vehicles of my youth; few, if any, were unmodified. Lucky for us, there were still a couple of parking places left. By the time we got out of the car, the last spots were gone.

We roamed around the staging area admiring the varied themes and modifications. The A-Team had a four seater complete with stereo. Several big wheels had cardboard box bodies attached; a group of those had paint jobs that looked like NASCAR. As we approached the door, a group of Tele-tubbies arrived. Costumes were part of this gig...

It was when we stepped inside the bar that we really got immersed in the party that is the Big Wheel Rally. In the corner, a band was blasting out unfamiliar tunes. We saw several varieties of costume: elves, corrections officers and inmates, the A-Team, and a half dozen penguins to name only a few. We pulled up a couple of stools at a hightop table near the tee shirt table. The next couple hours were going to be interesting...

As the appointed hour approached awards were given and the real reason for the event was disclosed. The organizers presented a check for five thousand dollars to a children's medical program. Very nice. Formalities dispensed with, we headed outside.

The A-Team hit the play button on their stereo and blasted their theme song as they went through some pretty cheesy poses for their "adoring fans" to snap a few photos. Others moved to their rides and got in position to descend the icy driveway down to Ingersol Avenue. I looked for police to block the normally busy street but none were in sight; instead, members of the party, some in costume, took up position in the near lane and routed traffic to the center lane. The word was given and down they went! It was quite a show as they rolled / slid down the hill, onto Ingersol, and down the block. When they got to the next bar, they made their left hand turn across oncoming traffic and safely into the new parking lot. It was entertaining (and a little scary) to watch.