Friday, November 30, 2012

Hot Sauce of the Week

Alabama Sunshine XXX Black Label-this one combines one of my favorite flavor combinations: hot and sweet. The sweet comes in first and then the habanero. The ingredient list is interesting, I don't normally think about things like olive oil and turmeric in hot sauces but it works well here. I am glad this sauce is readily available around here, it's good and makes me want to try some other of their offerings.

Thursday, November 29, 2012

Unlimited Edition

I've seen this happen a lot in the motorcycle world lately. A new product, part, shirt, etc comes out in supposed small numbers with a "limited edition". So people scoop it up quickly in the hopes of having something to hang onto, something other than what just anyone can get. I can't count the times I've read "we only made a few of these" or "once we sell these they're gone" or similar words to that effect.

What happens next is what bothers me. The first run sells out quickly and then...they make more.
WTF happened to the "limited" part of the limited edition? It reminds me way too much of the MoCo's 100th Anniversary "Limited Edition" paint scheme that was on damn near every bike that was released that year. After that they started the ridiculous every 5 year commemorative paint editions.

I guess it is all about the dollar bill after all but Hell...if you say something, stick to it. Breaking your word even once is enough to make someone lose a tremendous amount of respect for you.

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Parts...

Thanks to Bill and Ian, got some new parts to help collect some more dust. Debating whether to put the bars on the Sporty or maybe the shovel. If anybody local has some short risers they need to get rid of, holler at me.

Friday, November 23, 2012

Hot Sauce of the Week

Loco Lito's Pray for Mercy-Wow! This is no doubt one of the best hot sauces I have ever had. There are three different peppers in the mix: habanero, ghost and pico de paloma. Aside from the heat, there are sweet almost fruity notes at play. I really like sauces where you can look at the bottle and see the chunks, seeds and spices. Seriously...this stuff is awesome.
This one came back with my wife from the Slocomb Tomato Festival this summer. Lito was at the festival selling her goods and was also nice enough to give her a free sample of another sauce for me to try. On her website, there are tons of sauces, jellies, relishes, etc. I highly recommend that you click here to get a bottle of this sauce and while you are there check out the other offerings.   

Thursday, November 22, 2012

Swap and Drag

Had another great time at this event, as usual. I didn't take a ton of pictures this time around and spent most of the day catching up with people. It's pretty great to see so many folks you know all in one place and having a good time.

Kustom Jeff and I left out at 7am Saturday morning in the freezing cold. The first hour and a half was brutal but after the first gas stop and a little coffee, it got warmer quick and the rest of the ride was awesome. 
The drags were fun as usual with a crazy mix of bikes, muscle cars and odd stuff like mopeds and lawnmowers going down the strip. Amazing what some people want to run and race...like a Ford Explorer vs a Chevy Tahoe...not one of the more interesting races. 
Got to see a AJ from Mississippi, make a couple new MS friends and thanks to Jeff's genius, actually got to set up the hammock near the track. Ross made some killer chili that we all heaped onto closeout hot dogs and we spent the rest of the evening huddled around the fire drinking beer and moonshine and talking shit. Met the folks from Hate City and yes, all of the stories you've heard are true.
The next day we took our time getting up and out. The fire was re-lit and we huddled again as the sun rose. We parted ways with the MS crew and got everything loaded and hit the road. We stopped for breakfast and Jeff and I boogied back to Birmingham. If there is some reason you haven't made it to this one yet, you need to. It's a great time with good people and plenty to see and good parts up for grabs. Do not miss the next one...

Stole the last two photos from Ian, thanks dood.

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

IRS Auction

Don't forget to pay "The Man" or the IRS will take your bike...or in this poor bastard's case, bikes.
Auction is set for 12/01/12, more info here.

Friday, November 16, 2012

Hot Sauce of the Week

Alaga Southern Seasoning Hot Sauce-more or less just another Louisiana style pepper and vinegar sauce but a pretty decent one. There is a hint of garlic in it that really works well. I wouldn't say it is a must try by any means but in a pinch, you could certainly do worse.

Thursday, November 15, 2012

Rush, 11/01/12


Last week I piled into a giant SUV with a couple friends to see Rush in Atlanta. Touring in support of the new album "Clockwork Angels", they added a string section for this tour and changed up the set. I was stoked to see them again especially considering the new album and tour changes.

We stopped at The Vortex first for burgers and beer. I opted to try the Hell Burger, a half pound of ground sirloin topped with pepper-jack cheese, habanero relish and a roasted jalapeno. I also got a side of tater tots and the burger came with lettuce tomato and onion on the side. This thing was killer, just the right amount of heat that didn't overshadow the flavor.

For beers, I tried a concoction they call a Black Skull: a Left Hand Milk Stout and Laughing Skull Amber Ale blend. SONOFABITCH this was awesome! They have 9 draft concoctions on the menu and I've never had a bad meal there. If you are anywhere close, give the Vortex a shot.
I could talk all day about the show...but I won't. All I will say is that the new album is killer, the show was incredible, the string sections was a brilliant addition and if you are a fan and you've never seen them, do it now. They haven't lost a step and the video screens, stage setup, pyro and lack of an opening act make for an awesome experience.

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Civil War Ride

Don over at Bamarides.com put together a ride to cover some of the Civil War historical sites around Birmingham and Tuscaloosa. 16 of us met up and rode most of the day. We followed the trail of General John T. Croxton and his men after burning the furnaces at Tannehill on their way to destroy the University of Alabama. 
I had never heard of Trion, Alabama but I had heard of Vance. Funny how that happens, Trion was the first of three names.
The bridge where they crossed into Tuscaloosa was defended by University of Alabama Cadets and the Tuscaloosa Guard who even tried to destroy they bridge themselves before Croxton and his men could cross. Their efforts failed and Croxton took Tuscaloosa soon after making it over the bridge.
Remains of the bridge on the Tuscaloosa side.
 The Little Round House, one of a few University buildings not destroyed by the North.
The Mound on the Tuscaloosa quad, the marker explains it well.
The President's House was also spared, according to history, by the pleadings of the President's wife. The campus at the University is amazing and full of History. We didn't see but a fraction of all there is to take in.
We rode back on some of the twistiest roads in the area and got a good chance to have some kicks. We stopped a couple times so some could hit the roads again. Others just hung out to BS or explore nearby dirt and grass or wheelie and do burnouts. We rode until the sun went down losing a rider or small group here and there until just three of us pulled back into town. It was starting to get dark and the temperature dropped. I was ready for a cold one...


Friday, November 9, 2012

Hot Sauce of the Week

Andy's Farm Market All Natural Fire Roasted Habanero Hot Sauce-despite the crazy long name, this is a really good sauce. Habanero heat and flavor come on quickly but not too strong and then the taste slides into a little cayenne spiciness. I like the basic profile even without the heat, at times I got hints of a little bbq flavor coming through. Good stuff.

Special thanks to my Mom for grabbing this one for me from her local produce supplier.
Thanks Mom, you're the best...

Thursday, November 8, 2012

Game Galaxy

So if you remember this post from a couple years ago, you know I am into Golden Age Arcades and cabs. On a trip to Huntsville a couple months back my buddy and I ran across an arcade that was about to open that looked to have a ton of classics in it. 
 A little research online and I got the scoop about when Game Galaxy was opening, the game list, etc.
The buddy I saw the arcade with was stoked about going back once they were open so we planned a trip. Only an hour and a half away, it was an easy drive and we planned on making the most of the time.
 Getting there as soon as they opened, we scoped the room out and crafted a plan of attack.
Thankfully they have everything set on free play and the all-day rate is LOW. I would have gone broke if I had to pump quarters or tokens in like I did at Funspot.
 The arcade was a good mix of Classics with some new and rare stuff thrown in.
 I used to destroy the Atari 5200 port of Popeye.
In retrospect, the NES PlayChoice cab is kind of odd, spending quarters to play a game you could have at home. At the time though, when games were $50 a pop, you couldn't have them all and this was a smart way to create a buzz about new games or to get to try something before you spent your allowance on it. 
 Donkey Kong and DK2, this unit is set up for Twin Galaxies scoring.
 A few classic beat-'em-ups and fighting games.
Rows and rows of classic cabs. 

The folks that run Game Galaxy were awesome and accommodating, they would check on us from time to time asking if we needed anything and they also showed us the cool stuff that the casual visitor doesn't get access to. If you are ever in Huntsville and you are into classic arcade gaming, 80's nostalgia or have kids, I highly recommend a visit. We were there 11+ hours and I could have spent a lot more time there. When we left to come back to Birmingham, my feet and back hurt from standing so long.

They have another location in Antioch, TN also that is on my radar. If you have been, let me know if it is worth a trip.