WILSON BANK & TRUST OCTOBERFEST CRUISE-IN
Cruise-Ins pretty much dominate my summer. There are very few weekends between May and September that I’m not at least doing a quick walk-through at one. And then there’s winter… when car gatherings are few and far between. At least I don’t live “up north” where people are forced to put their vehicles in storage for months but still, I hate winter and it’s impact on the car and motorcycle culture.
Every year, there is one show that kind of represents the end of the cruise-in season to the locals in the Nashville area. It’s put on by Wilson Bank & Trust in Lebanon, Tennessee and typically draws a huge crowd… partly because enthusiasts know it’s one of the last hurrahs of the year. I spent a few hours wandering this year’s event today and took a ton of photos… and it was awesome! Here are 9 of those photos. I’ll post more on my Facebook page. it’s been a good summer!
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CLASSIC AUTOMOBILES AND VINTAGE MOTORCYCLES!
Two of my favorite things in the world are classic automobiles and vintage motorcycles. And when you combine them both into one event… well, that’s a pretty good day. Today I made my way to The Factory in Franklin, Tennessee for the 27th Annual Antique & Classic Car Show, sponsored by the Battlefield Region of the Antique Automobile Club of America. But it get’s better… this years show was held in conjunction with the Music City Chapter of the Antique Motorcycle Club of America. That’s right… a beautiful day filled with classic automobiles and vintage motorcycles…. all in the same place. I could go on about how heavenly that is, but I’ll just shut up and let you enjoy some of my photos.
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STREETSIDE CLASSICS NASHVILLE – GRAND OPENING
Streetside Classics opened their Nashville showroom several weeks ago but today they made it official by hosting their grand opening car show. Nashville is the fifth location for the Charlotte, NC. based business. Other locations include Atlanta, Dallas/Ft. Worth, and Tampa. Specializing in consignment, purchase, and the sale of classic and collectible cars, the Nashville showroom (as well as the other four locations) keeps a literal warehouse full of inventory and will ship worldwide. Enjoy my photos from the show and check out Streetside Classics on-line at www.streetsideclassics.com.
SOUTHERN TRADITIONS
I got to check out the Southern Traditions (Spring Redneck Rumble) this weekend. Here’s a bunch of photos. Lot’s of trucks this year!
A SERIES OF SHOW POSTERS
I just completed a series of show posters for my buds over at Both Barrels Promotions. I love working with these guys because it gets me out of the typical “corporate” designer mode and into an “anything goes” kind of mode. I had a blast with these. And BTW… if you are in the area, check out the shows. Both Barrels are seriously the best promoters in the region.
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ANOTHER CRUISE-IN
The weather has not be cooperating with the local cruise-in scene here in Middle Tennessee lately. Tonight we were overcast and it’s pretty freakin’ cold. Still, myself and about 20 other guys made their way to the local Sonic for the Saturday night festivities. I’m glad I did, just so I could see this family enjoying themselves. They were giving Otis some love… mom was snapping pictures and the excited young men were having a good old time looking at the cars and trucks., I love to see families out together enjoying a car show.
Otis liked the attention… But the real star of the evening was this beautiful, completely restored 1957 Chevy pickup. WOW!
An of course… I’m obligated to photo any third gen Corvettes I see. Here’s a nice ’73 model in Corvette Yellow. (Yep… looks Gold, but that’s what Chevrolet called it.)
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AND NOW… SOMETHING DIFFERENT!
Friday night in Middle Tennessee was cloudy with splotches of rain. Still, I made my way to the local cruise-in for a few minutes to see what was going on. Not much… but I did find this beauty. I like to think I am pretty traveled with automobiles, but I had never seen one of these in person. It’s a 1965 VW “Notchback” which were never sold in the USA. Pretty cool… and nicely restored by a guy who told me it was nothing but a “shell” when he got it.
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MORE CRUISE-IN PHOTOS
I’m on a roll! I’ve been to 2 cruise-ins in three weeks… and that’s pretty good for me. This one takes place just south of Nashville and typically has a great turn-out. Especially on the opening night of the season, which this was. I would guess there were 400 cars there. Here’s some of my favorites.
I’m kind of getting sick of the “flat-black-thing” but this truck looks great with the red, green and yellow accents.
The holy-grail for me! Big Block Corvette C2!
Man… I LOVE THIS CAR! My plain-jane 77 L82 model.
A little hot rod action.
I’ve always loved 2nd generation Camaros and this one was gorgeous!
The all-new C7 Corvette.
450 Horses.
Nice workmanship here.
Another great-looking Chevy pickup.
One of the nicest Bugs I’ve seen in a while. Wow.. if you look close at the door it almost looks like 55 Chevy! Haha
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CRUISE-IN SEASON BEGINS
I made it to my first Cruise-In of the year this weekend. It was a beautiful evening and a good turn out. Oddly, I didn’t get a pic of my own car but I guess I really don’t need one. Here are a few of the attendees but you can see more here.
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ONE BIKE IMMEDIATELY STOOD OUT IN THE ROOM FOR ME
I had the opportunity to shoot a local bike show for a regional magazine last weekend. I’ve worked this show for about 5 years in a row now and there are a couple builders that always catch my eye with their work. One of them is a Nashville craftsman named J. Ryan. I’ve been drawn to his bikes since I first met him years ago.
Well… when I walked in the door, set-up was taking place, but one bike immediately stood out in the room for me. It seemed to be calling my name so I walked over and started soaking it in and taking a few pics of it… when who walked up but none other than J.
Man, he got me again! I had no idea this bike was his… but I guess I should have. Something about his cool creations speak to me, even when I don’t know they are his. Love this bike!
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THANK YOU GENTLEMEN
Some of the nicest and most sincere people I know are in the general aviation community. This story shows you what I’m talking about. Thank you gentlemen for bringing these two heroes home with a proper salute.
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DUCATI MONSTER 1200 NATIONAL TOUR
More Ducati fun tonight… as I had the opportunity to photo the Ducati Monster 1200 National Tour when it rolled in to the local dealership. This is a factory tour that is going around the USA and giving riders a sneak peek at the bike before it is “officially” launched in March.
The 2014 Monster is completely re-designed this year and although it maintains the traditional Monster look, it has quite a few design changes/improvements. Right off the bat, you will notice that the motor now acts as part of the frame. (Look closely… the tubular steel trellis frame attaches to the cylinders.) There’s also a new power plant, a Traction Control system with eight levels to choose from, and even an adjustable height seat!
I might be one of the luckiest photographers on the planet. Yeah, it’s work… but what a great time… and a great subject to photograph.
Haven’t seen enough yet? CLICK HERE to see more photos.
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DUCATI 899 PANIGALE NATIONAL PREMIER
I got to do some event photography for the local Ducati Dealership today. It was the National Premier of the Ducati 899 Panigale… and it is BAD! Ducati red is tough to beat, but white looks pretty rad too. You can see a lot more photos from the day here.
Nashville model/spokesperson Shannon Million was on hand to act as spokesmodel for the day.
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EASY RIDERS NASHVILLE
I worked the Easy Riders Show at the Nashville Convention Center on Saturday. Wandered around and got a few photos while I was there. Here are a few of the out-takes for your viewing pleasure.
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I’M TRYING TO KEEP THE SPORTY STA-BIL
On Saturday I got the Sporty out and rode it for the first time in about 6 weeks. I’ve been so busy this year that combined with the short days, I just have not had time to do something I love… ride!
The good news is that the days are starting to get longer, but we still have a good 6 to 8 weeks of winter weather here in the mid-south, so back in the corner of the garage the bike goes with a little more STA-BIL added to the topped off tank to keep the gum, varnish and corrosion out.
I’ve not had to use a fuel stabilizer in the past because I’ve always ridden through the winter. But since nasty things can happen to your fuel in as little as 30 days, this year I am definitely using it. I know… it’s a sad state of affairs, right? I cannot wait for Spring!
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37 YEARS APART… AND STILL COOL
After dealing with arctic blasts that have recently brought several days of single digit temperatures to Nashvegas, we actually had a nice day today. The sun was shining… and 58 degrees seemed more like 75 in the middle of this mess I call the “Dark Months.” I took advantage of the positive weather turn and got the ‘vette out for a nice leisurely drive.
The L-82 was humming perfectly, and for a few minutes, I forgot about the head cold I’m fighting (due to the ridiculous temperature fluctuations, I’m sure) and the fact that more frosty weather is forecast for this week. Good times for sure, but they were about to get better.
After about 30 minutes of pure driving joy, I reluctantly pointed that dark blue fiberglass nose back towards the house… and just as a I drove past one of our local hotels, I noticed a tractor-trailer out of the corner of my eye that was carrying eleven brand new 2014 Corvette Stingrays. Apparently the transport driver had stopped by our little town on his way from Bowling Green to parts south to deliver these beauties to their new owners.
I was sure glad he did… and quickly wheeled into the parking lot to grab a few pics of the ’77 along side these ’14s. 37 years apart… and still cool! America’s Sports Car is still making the hearts of drivers beat a little faster, and even shrouded in protective covers, they are about as sweet as it gets.
In case you are wondering what this thing looks like underneath the shroud… here’s a pic courtesy of chevrolet.com… along with a few side-by-side specs for you to check out. I’d say things have improved nicely over the years… but my heart (and wallet) still belongs to the pre-83 models.
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DUCATI RED
I’ve been doing some contract work for the local Ducati Dealership here in my hometown. That’s a good thing, but it’s probably a bad thing for me to be around these gorgeous bikes. Wow! There is something about that Ducati Red that calls to my emotions. I took a few pics today.
The first bike is the 1199 Panigale R. It’s pretty much a “near” race-ready rocket, that is still somehow street legal. BAD… does not even begin to describe this two-wheeled piece of art.
But the bike that really grabs my attention (and is more reasonable to the average mans wallet) is the Ducati Monster at the bottom of this post. Such a great bike!
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HOW TO BEAT THE WINTER BLUES
We’re about to face the coldest temperatures we’ve seen in a decade here in Middle Tennessee… that is, if the local forecasters are correct. I hate winter! But… if we are forced to endure it, I’m at least happy that the folks at Both Barrels Promotions are doing their part to help us beat the winter blues. I spent the day at the Tennessee Motorama today. I was actually photographing the event for Grease Monkey Magazine (read the latest issue here) and saw some killer cars and bikes. Here’s a sneak peek for you.
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PART OF THE FUN OF OWNING A CLASSIC CAR
Part of the fun of owning a classic car is getting to know it intimately, via the seemingly never-ending projects that come with it. The 77 Vette has brought with it a few such projects. So far, I’ve replaced the rear brake calipers, installed a new starter, replaced a leaking power steering control valve, and cleaned up the front and rear bumperettes.
The mechanical issues were pretty straight-forward and boring, but the bumperette refurbishing was a bit unique, so I thought I would document it. The first photo shows how bad the road rash was. Light sanding followed by a couple coats of Dupli-Color Bumper Coating did the trick. In fact, it worked great! While I was at it, I used the same Dupli-Color product to spiff up the front grills and front lower fairing. Both look like they are brand new now.
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I WISH YOU AND YOURS A GREAT AND FUN 2014
As 2013 comes to an end… I’m reminded, once again, that life goes by really fast. All of us need to make sure we make the most of each day, and enjoy the little things. That’s one thing I love about car and motorcycle shows. No matter what kind of issues you may be facing in your life, wandering a show for a few hours can make them seem miles away. It’s a ‘happy’ time that I look forward to… as often as I can! Here are a few pictures I shot this year at various events, that have a consistent theme of FUN! I hope you enjoy them… and more importantly I wish you and yours a great and FUN 2014. See you at the shows!
This is one of my favorite images from 2013. Mom, Dad and Son all enjoying a car show.
The good folks at Confederate Customs were out and about this year.
Caught some great bands at shows in 2013… including Mollie Sue and the Mean Men.
Love to see couples enjoying shows together. Too fun!
Those that know me… know I am a bit of a health nut and wouldn’t eat here. But I still like the pic!
Old school craftsmanship!
Another great family photo. Keepin’ the passion for old cars alive.
Love, love, love this shot. Not sure who she is but what a contagious and beautiful smile!
Mom and daughter enjoying the show on a bright and sunny day.
A unique father/son project? How ’bout a gas-powered grocery cart!
A retro-lovely lady at this years Redneck Rumble.
Yep… that’s a trike with a crane. Perfect for haulin’ your buddy around!
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SOAK EVERY DETAIL IN AND INHALE THE CULTURE…
I’ve been photographing car shows and swap meets professionally for several years now. A lot of my images are published, but there are many that I love… that will NEVER see the light of day. (Or the ink on a page!) You get to a point, after you’ve photographed so many of these events, that your eye starts to wander to the minor details. Many times, these images tell the true story of what an event was really like. Here are just a few that speak to me… maybe they will you too. If nothing else, I hope they encourage you to take your time and look around at your next car show. Soak every detail in and inhale the culture!
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HOW DID I MISS THE BMW SCARVER?
I like to think that I am pretty up-to-date on the motorcycle industry. After all, I write about it, photograph it… and generally try to keep abreast of what’s going on. But somehow, I missed a BMW model that is known as the “Scarver” or Street Carver.
Tonight I was browsing our local BMW/Ducati Dealer’s website (Bloodworth Motorcycles at www.bloodmotor.com) for any used Ducati Monster’s that might be calling my name and discovered a used 2003 BMW F650CS (Scarver)… and it certainly peaked my interest.
A little research revealed that the F650CS was the result of a partnership with Aprilia (produced from 2001 to 2005) and was aimed at enticing new, young riders into the market with a unique “vibey” look and striking, non-traditional colors.
The bike has some non-BMW-ish features such as a 653cc single-cylinder Rotax 4-stroke motor, belt drive, under-seat fuel tank and an innovative storage area where the traditional tank is.
With used prices in the low to mid 3K range, I’m thinking this bike might just be the perfect, affordable commuter. I need to check it out further… but watch this video.
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BOLD COLORS AND A RETRO VIBE
I do a lot of design work that requires me to follow pretty traditional guidelines. Understandably, most clients want a pretty straight-forward layout… usually on a white background. And while I am very grateful for those opportunities, I’m always excited when the folks at Both Barrel Promotions throw some work my way. With them, it’s sort of the complete opposite. Bold colors and a retro vibe are what they are all about… so it gives me the chance to do some things a little differently than I normally would. I just completed design/layout on a set of show posters for them, and had a blast. Here’s a peek.
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I DISCOVERED A NEW PRODUCT
Check this out… I stopped by my favorite auto-parts store recently, looking for a quick detailer for in-between wax jobs. At the recommendation of the counter girl, I took home this bottle of Lucas Slick Mist. Long story short… I love this stuff! Lucas describes it as a “polymer paint gloss intensifier” that is usable on paint, glass, chrome and more. I’ve not tried it on glass or chrome yet, but it works great on paint. You just spray it on and wipe it off for a killer glossy shine. I’ve been using it after each drive and I can do the entire car in about 5 minutes. Pretty cool!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
This review indicates my own personal opinion of this product and should be taken as just that. Yours may vary and you should try this product yourself before drawing any conclusions about it.
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