WAR XXIII - Top Gun

So, I was drinking beer with a few WAR Veterans, thinking about how great it is outside right now.  Not hot, not cold, just perfect.  So, planning the WAR ride (which is, by the way, redundant), I'm thinking outdoor locations.

Then, for some strange reason, it hits me.  We need to pay tribute to a great childhood memory and military recruiting agent, Top Gun.  This is movie gold, Pre-Scientology Tom Cruise, and Kenny Loggins at his best.

What?  You say what it is the relevance?  Well, let's see......  first, Top Gun was released May 13, 1986, making this the 23th Anniversary.  Second, Kelly McGillis, who is quite possibility responsible for my first boner just came out as a lesbian.....just my luck.  Seriously - check it out - http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20275794,00.html

Finally - Kenny Loggins and homoerotic scenes with 'seaman' playing volleyball...how better to welcome in summer.

So......unless 'You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin", meet at Uncle Billy's BBQ on Barton Springs Road at 6pm for dinner.  Ride starts at 7pm.  Next we will visit Aussie's, for some mandatory beach volleyball.  You don't have to take your shirt off, but you do have to give a five both high and low like the Iceman.  Singing 'Playin With the Boys' is optional as well.

Next, it's time to buzz a tower - we'll hit the Tinest Bar in Texas.  Yee Haw...Jester's Dead.

Finally, we will finish at BS Saloon, where we will  sing 'Great Balls of Fire' to mourn anyone we might lose in a flat spin.

Oh - for this ride only - you can't go by your own name - pick a call sign.  Be creative - Maverick, Goose, Iceman, Jester, Wolfman, Hollywood, Slider and Charlie are not allowed.

Bring light, lock and cash.  And, NEVER EVER leave your wingman.

THE MAP

WAR XXII - Cinco de Mayo

Ok, so technically, it is Seis de Mayo, but close enough, right?  

Cinco de Mayo celebrates Mexico's unlikely defeat of the French in 1862.  I think the Mexicans are onto something here....If we make every defeat of the French a holiday, we'll never work again!

So, it is time to celebrate Cinco de Mayo WAR style.  Put on your sombrero, shove a lime in your beer and hop on your bike, because we are goin' East Side, esse.

We will meet for dinner at El Chile - 1809 Manor - at 6:15pm.  El Chile has, in my opinion (which is always right), some of the best mexican food in town.  They also have great Micheladas.  Ride starts promptly at 7pm.  We will visit Rio Grande downtown, take a tour of the East Side, visit Fiesta Gardens, thumb our noses at the French Legation Museum and have a cold one at the Long Branch Saloon.  We will end up next door to where we started on the porch of the Red House.

Bring lights, a helmet, a lock and some friends.  See you there.

THE MAP