To Hell With The Squares We’re Partying

Article And Photos By: Joshua Elzey

new Jersey held out as long as they could before informing the host of TROG and NOTT (Night of the Troglodytes) that with COVID-19 still of serious concern the weeklong gathering needed to be cancelled. It was a hard thing to do. The location is prime for those coming from both the north and south as well as those international riders that attend. In the meantime, with the unexpected downtime, Mel took on an outdoor bar called Long Tall Shorty’s. It is situated right off HW 78 and is a straight shot from NY, NJ, and PA making it Tri-State friendly!

The property is six acres and is hidden from the road. It’s just past an upper parking lot that houses several old airstream and fancy shacks modified to serve food and beverages. One sits just outside a pavilion with a raised stage to host bands, plus a pool table. The site has strategically positioned fire pits and tables to meet COVID state requirements. When the state hit Phase three, the bar was able to start hosting swap meets, vannin shows, and other small events. It’s just walking distance from the Jugtown Campsites for those needing an extended stay. Affordable hotels were also nearby.

So, no surprise to Harley when Mel reached out to see about hosting a ‘Not NOTT’ event on the same weekend the main gathering would have been held. Many had already planned to take time off that week and with some relaxed travel restrictions and designated low

risk states riders were sure to be able to still make the trip. The bar was only an hour and half away from Wildwood so travel time wouldn’t change too much for most attendees. Actually, for most it would shorten time, so the date was announced, and it all started to come together. ‘Come for the Pleasures – Stay for the Treasures!’ and “To hell with the squares we’re partying!”

A good group showed up Friday afternoon and thru the evening to socialize while Daddy Long Legs played. It was a very chill evening which was a much-needed breather and unwinding for most everyone. This atmosphere promoted long chats with many good friends that most hadn’t seen since the last NOTT. There was a fire to warm everyone that burned well into the next day.

The next day brought many more vintage hot rods, customs, taildraggers, and of course wicked choppers. There was even a chop that came in the back of a stanced VW Rabbit truck! Old Lady Forever was ripping some honkytonk plus there was several BBQ vendors with savory tastes to appease the attendees. There were several debuts of survivors such as a sick Ironhead plus a Ron Finch seventies Honda and newly built long choppers to check out while DJ Terrible spun some amazing tunes via vinyl which kept the atmosphere lit.

Bikes were everywhere around the grounds and were ripping on the back side as enthusiasts or first timers checked out the motorcycles which brought smiles to everyone. The event had the overall appeal of America and its freedom. There was as a large flag that hung over the event. Late evening meant some specialty awards were presented before the partying went into the next morning. The last day wrapped up with an antique motorcycle swap meet that had chopper parts, old bike swag, and memorabilia. It was hard to say goodbye on Sunday and head home. Many more memories were made that weekend, and that is what it is all about!