Invasion Of The Green Swamp

igrew up on the east coast, so when I got into riding motorcycles, the one event my friends and I always hit was Daytona Bike Week. Of course, we were all young and broke, so getting a hotel was out of the question, but there were plenty of cheap campgrounds to choose from, and that always turned out to be a wild time. Unlike staying at your run-ofthe-mill KOA campground, these places were an event unto themselves. There was always live music, food, vendors, bars, and crazy shit going on all weekend. Since then, I’ve been to countless events, and no one has really been able to pull off that same vibe until this year. I finally found an event that got it right. “Run to the Ranch, Invasion of the Green Swamp” was one hell of a weekend-long party that really brought back memories of those days when motorcycle events were just about riding motorcycles and having a good time.

The event itself took place in Leland, NC, which is just a 30-minute putt from the Atlantic Ocean, so right from the get-go, the June heat felt just like being back in Florida… At the front of the venue, there was the Cadillac

Ranch. This is a roadside bar built back in the 1970s that was recently revived (literally a week before the event) by Chase and Lindsay Hedrick. Flanking the bar was a host of vendors, artists, and food trucks, providing everything needed for a weekend-long party/campout plus some things you didn’t know you needed, like custom toilet seats and hand beaded apparel. The main stage was set up right behind the bar, and unlike a lot of biker bars, this wasn’t just an improvised deck but a real stage with legit lighting and sound. From there, the 20+ acre property turned into thick woods before opening into a large campground. As soon as I pulled into the parking lot, I could already tell this was going to be a kickass event. As you would expect, there was a ton of motorcycles lined up in the parking lot, as well as all the folks that rode in on them. Then there was that extra mayhem you get when you add a bunch of “camp vehicles” to the mix. What I mean by “camp vehicles” are all the minibikes, dirt bikes, and four wheelers that are now part of every motorcycle

campout. Ratcheting things up a notch, I spotted a bunch of choppers, some mini trikes, and even a flamed-out HD golf cart all ripping through the parking lot.

After watching a guy doing some power wheelies down the road on his Dyna and another riding with two chicks on his chopper, I figured I better take a break from the mayhem to grab a camping spot before all the shade was claimed. With a good campsite secured, it was back to the Cadillac Ranch to grab a cold drink and some BBQ from Cattail Q before heading to the main stage to listen to a couple local bands and catch up with some old friends.

Normally live music and cold beer are enough to make for a good night, but the folks putting on the event decided to up the ante a little bit. They got The Rebel Spirit to bring over their mobile burnout pit and let Faster Than Your Mom turn his truck bed into an improvised pool. So just take a minute to imagine the scene unfolding on Friday night. You had live music, smokey burnouts, people splashing around in the back of a pickup, tons of people partying, and camp vehicles weaving in and out of all of it. Needless to say, it was well past midnight (actually closer to sunrise) when things finally quieted down.

The one thing about camping in the summer in eastern North Carolina is that there is no option to sleep in. Once that sun got up over the trees, every tent turned into a sauna, and everyone was up and about getting ready for another action-packed day. It took a lot of coffee and some hot breakfast sandwiches to get everyone over their hangovers, but by mid-morning, everyone was ready to get right back to it. Things got started with a minibike race on a freshly plowed track. As expected, the competition was fierce, and the riding gear worn by the participants was hilarious. After multiple heats, the checkered flag finally waved for a guy in full motocross gear; clearly, he came to win…

Next up were two bike shows and a raffle. There was

a traditional bike show that required actually riding your bike up to the bar to enter. Then, there was an “unofficial” bike show put on by SRM Paintworks, which included prizes being given out to unsuspecting folks whose bikes were just parked around the venue. Both shows were a big hit, but I think the winners of the “unofficial” show were really blown away when they were handed their trophies.

As things started to cool down in the late afternoon, it was time for more live music. From 5:00 until after midnight, band after band hit the stage, starting with Martin and the Maniacs and wrapping up with the headliner ASG. I personally had never heard of ASG, but apparently, they used to tour with Motörhead, so you can guess what kind of energy they brought to the stage, especially after being quarantined for the last year. The mosh pit that broke out during their sets got pretty rowdy, and I am sure people living up to a mile away got treated to a free concert whether they liked it or not.

Now usually, things get packed up pretty early the Sunday following one of these events, but a 6:00 AM storm front passing through really got people moving extra early. There’s nothing worse than trying to pack your bike in a thunderstorm, but everyone managed to get loaded up and rolled out without any issues. You can probably tell that this was an awesome event, and everyone I spoke with is looking forward to heading back down to the “Green Swamp” next year for more of the same. Make sure you follow Run To the Ranch on social media so you’ll be in the know for what’s going down this summer. You won’t want to miss out!

DRAG SPECIALTIES PREDATOR III 2-UP EXTENDED REACH SEATS

Now available in a 2-up version, the Predator III Extended Reach seat moves the rider back 1½” compared to the stock seat, for those with a longer inseam. It features 6 1/2” tall driver support with unique styling covered in high-quality automotive-grade vinyl. The molded polyurethane foam provides maximum comfort and has a narrow driver’s cut for better leg clearance. The thermoformed ABS seat base gives the perfect fit while the carpeted bottom and rubber bumpers protect paint. Available in smooth or double-diamond stitch with black, silver or red thread. Made in the U.S.A. for 97-07 FLHR and 06-07 FLHX models. Suggested retail $357.95 – 427.95. https:// seats.dragspecialties.com/products/?productId=650424

DRAG SPECIALTIES SADDLEBAG RAIL SUPPORT BRACKETS

Go down the road knowing that your saddlebags are secure with the Drag Specialties Saddlebag Rail Support Brackets. These brackets are constructed of a heavy-duty steel that is 15% thicker than stock brackets to prevent breakage. They come in a black finish and mount with existing hardware. Available for the left or right sides of 80-08 FLT, FLHT models. Brackets are sold each and have a suggested retail price of $53.95. https://www.dragspecialties.com/search;q=14130019;r=eJyrVkrLzClJLS pWsoqOrQUAJusFKA%3D%3D

z1r HAGGARD BOOT

Z1R introduces the brand-new Haggard boot. Your favorite pair of riding shoes just received an upgrade. Similar in fashion to popular high top tennis shoes, Z1R puts their own spin on it. A heavy weight canvas upper construction is matched with a durable and reinforced sole. A durable shift pad covers the toe region to ensure accurate shifts and minimize wear. Don’t be that guy who rides with regular tennis shoes when you have this option. Available in sizes 7-14. Suggested retail $109.95. Head on over to your local Z1R dealer or www.Z1R.com to check these out!

Bare Knuckle Performance Softail Kickstand Lowering Kit

This complete kit drops your kickstand down 1 1/2” to compensate for taller front and/or rear suspension. Fully bolt on. No cutting or drilling. Includes all stainless steel hardware and new rubber bumper. $130 www.brareknuckleperformance.com

DRAG SPECIALTIES BATTERY CABLE KIT

Increase the starter performance of your bike by supplying maximum battery current to your starter motor with a Drag Specialties Battery Cable Kit. This kit contains all the cables you need to replace your OEM cables. The black 6-gauge cables are manufactured with pure electrolytic-grade 36-gauge tinned copper strands for maximum current transfer and superior flexibility. All cables have ¼” and terminals and are 6¼” long. Available for 09-13 FLHT, FLHR, FLHX, and FLTR models with an MSRP of $82.95. https:// www.dragspecialties.com/search ;q=21130736;r=eJyrVkrLzClJLSp WsoqOrQUAJusFKA%3D%3D

Keep your grip comfortable and secure while adding stylish looks to your bike with Drag Specialties Grenade grips. Constructed of die-cast aluminum with a bright chrome finish with black soft rubber inserts for comfort. Sold in pairs and available for 82-17 Big Twin and 82-21 XL models with dual cable throttle control (except models with air assist forks). Suggested retail price is $92.95. https://www.dragspecialties.com/search;q=06302639;r= eJyrVkrLzClJLSpWsoqOrQUAJusFKA%3D%3D

KBS Coatings Motor Coater Kit

The KBS Motor Coater Kit provides your motorcycle engine with a beautiful and protective finish. This all-inclusive and user-friendly system consists of KBS Klean to clean surfaces, RustBlast to remove rust and corrosion, and Motor Coater, which is a durable engine enamel that has deep and rich pigment for excellent coverage. Motor Coater is currently available in 39 colors. KBS Klean is a concentrated, water-based, and biodegradable cleaner that deeply penetrates to remove stubborn dirt, grease, and grime. KBS Klean is an excellent alternative to flammable solvents and hazardous chemicals. RustBlast is a powerful rust remover, zinc phosphate pre-primer, and metal etch. RustBlast effectively dissolves rust, corrosion, metal oxides, and tarnish from most metal surfaces while leaving a surface best for paint adhesion. Motor Coater is a high performance and high gloss paint that can withstand temperatures of up to 450°F and is impervious to oil and gas. It matches OEM standards, and with proper surface preparation will not blister, flake, crack, or peel. Motor Coater has excellent spread ability and is easy to apply by brush, roller, or by spraying. Motor Coater offers superb coverage and is selfleveling to provide a beautiful and smooth finish and without leaving brush marks. The Kit also includes #1 Thinner which is used to thin Motor Coater for spray applications. For more information go to