Thunder Roads Magazine of Oklahoma/Arkansas June 2014 | Page 8

FEATURES JUST KICKERS RALLY ARTICLE AND PICS BY PANHEAD TOM I rode my old slapped together Panhead down to an event called Just Kickers in Davis, Oklahoma. It is held at the Washita Hideaway, half way between Oklahoma City and Dallas. This is not your normal money making affair. There were no vendors, no wet T-shirt contests, or any of the other tomfoolery that comes with most of today’s rallies. This was a no BS gathering of like minded individuals. The name was selected to only allow sleds that are kick-start. Although some that came through the gates did have electric start, the majority of them did not. This was not a place for baggers, big tires, radios or anything not necessary to make the bikes perform. It was also a “21 and older” occasion. This was my kind of shindig. This was a “social gathering” put on by hard working fellows who value friendship and have a passion for old motorcycles. I saw 30+ Panheads, 10 Knuckleheads, several Flatheads, countless Shovels, Triumphs, Ironheads, BSA’s, 8 Thunder Roads Magazine of OK/AR Honda chops, long 70’s Chops, bobbers, cafes, etc. There were some in original form, some with high dollar paint jobs and everything in between. There were two Harley JD’s, one a 1926 model in chopper configuration and the other one in pristine original condition. Both beautiful, both ride-able and both mind blowing to the person like myself who really digs the old motos and the lifestyle. The person who understands what the term “biker” used to mean. I met dudes there who had just gotten their two wheels up and running to be able to come to the event, cats who had saved every last penny, rolled up a bed mat and hoped that someone would feed them while they were camping. Grown men who jumped and ran at the last minute, bringing nothing with them except what was on their person and on their bike. But it didn’t matter. The camaraderie that I saw was amazing. One guy was having trouble with his magneto on his flattie. No problem, let me help you out. I went