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Second Annual Josh Tharpe Memorial Big Wheel Rally

Winston-Salem, NC June 18, 2009 On the evening of June 17th, 2009 the Second Annual Josh Tharpe Memorial Big Wheel Rally was held in honor of the passing of my son three years ago. It is the brainchild of Chris Martin, a long time friend and confidant of Josh. I see this thing growing into one of the largest "All Big Wheel" events in the Tobaccoville metropolitan area. Even with inclement weather, the crowd just kept pouring in. I cannot confirm it, but I was told that the local fire department has said that occupancy restrictions are being reviewed for the facility. Josh's Mom (Terry), brother (Jacob) and Dad (me) were on hand for the occasion. They sure enjoy seeing all of Josh's friends and catching up on where everybody is in life. Judging from the number of rug rats, there's a lot of love in this group.

As usual, the beer truck was backed up to the door and the fire was lit in the big SPEVCO cooker to get things started (thank you SPEVCO). Tim Sellers volunteered his culinary skills to prepare some of the best hot dogs and hamburgers I have ever eaten (thank you Tim). Beer and the device to cool it were provided by the R. H. Barringer Distibuting Co. at a cost of $0.00 (thank you R. H. Barringer Distibuting Co.). Condiments and sandwich construction materials were provided by the Dirty Queen Restaurant at a cost of $92.13. I only mention the costs involved because this thing is free and it is obvious that they spare no expense to make it right.

During the meal and social time music was provided by a couple of guys playing a guitar and a harmonica and some bongo drums. They were great! No. Seriously they were.

Of course the meat of this event (except for the hot dogs and hamburgers) is the racing. If you have never seen these machines and their oversized pilots racing side by side at speeds only gravity can produce, well I just can't describe it. I mean it doesn't rattle your chest or anything, but it sure is funny. Due to the economic down turn or maybe because Chris and Morgan just forget to order new Big Wheels, the machines from last year's rally were recycled and used again this year. There were some pretty high tech methods incorporated into the refurbishments. Most innovative was the use of run flat tires-the result of the continuous refinement of these temperamental machines and the fact that blown tires were a major problem in 2008. Morgan and Chris had the immaculately prepared machines on the line and ready for battle. Teams were strategically paired and the racing began. The Tharpe/Martin team (defending champions from the 2008 season) were the favorites to win, but the rules and the scoring system were so screwed up that they somehow finished second. That's the only part of the rally I didn't like. Everything else was really good.

Anyway. If you missed this year's Josh Tharpe Memorial Big Wheel Rally, mark it on your calendar for next year. It's always on the 17th of June. See you there!

Fly Josh Fly.