Page 51 - Issue 41

After spending three
days in Stillwater, it was
off to Grafton Illinois with
Troy and Stephanie Gubser
(former and current Tour and
Build-Off participants) but fi rst
we had the pleasure of staying over
in Nebraska. The Nebraskan heat was
wild and we were quite surprised by the
bull testicles Troy recommended for supper – rusty and
okay we didn’t really eat it, but it made for some showcased miles of
good conversation and laughs. Covering 500 miles to pinstriping. Some had giant
Grafton in the heat was daunting, but the pack of riders rear tires, lots of carburettors
was very delightful and pleasant. Before we knew it, we and tall shifters with knobs ranging
were in Grafton - absolutely picturesque! I cannot think from skulls to grenades. There was
of a more authentic setting painted on the backdrops defi nitely no lack in creativity as seen on the “lobster
of the Mississippi River to host a rat rod build-off. rat” with a bra on its tail and two Barbie-dolls making
The next four days that followed is still simmering out in the engine? I was curious about the motivation
in our memory. More family, more smiles and jokes; for this blend – not societal approval I tell you – just
and of course more car talk! It was bittersweet actually. total raw creativity.
Meeting friends that feel as if you’ve known them The third day of the Rat Rod Build-Off blew my
for a lifetime, just to depart in a couple of days. Oh mind as I have never seen, nor have I heard, so many
the agony! I realised that the rat rod culture goes burn outs. Miles of rubber, decibels of sound and a
far beyond art on wheels; it is actually about family, near-death experience can give you a short and concise
camaraderie and loads of fun. description of the experience at Steelfest 2016. All
Agony set aside… the build-off was spectacular! the safety precaution taken is applaudable – my life is
Quaint authenticity coupled with bigger-than-life witness to this. It calls for superb organizing with an
attitude made this build-off one for the books. No hours eye for great detail to pull of an event of this calibre. I
travelled, no miles driven and no pre-conceived ideas salute you Rat Rod Magazine soldiers. Or shall I rather
can match what we actually saw. This event makes the say “Ladies,” seeing that you like to pounce around with
infant development stages of rat rods in South Africa little Scottish skirts. I can’t help but chuckle and nod my
look quite pale. No disrespect intended. Whilst strolling head … never a dull moment with you guys.
between the cars, I noticed the following: All and all our experience of America - especially
Firstly, the number of rat rods was overwhelming. regarding the rat rod scene - was mind blowing.
Talk about rust going viral. I have never seen so many One could not help but have a tear running down
rat rods at one venue. I guess this is why the event is your cheek when departure time came. To show our
at the top of the rat rod calendar. Little wonder that appreciation Rat Rod SA gave Editor Steve something
rad rod enthusiasts travel around the world to have the small to remember us by. For all the other rat rod family
experience of this pleasure. Walking amongst these members we managed to give a rat pack that was
mechanical “rodent inspired” machines, I could literally carefully and meticulously designed and packed by
“feel” the amount of hours invested and one could not Frikkie with much love.
help to wonder how many swap-meets and junkyards There are many more things you can expect from
have been visited in order to build the next thought- Ratrod SA. We will keep you in the loop by updating
provoking masterpiece. you regularly on our facebook page.
Secondly, the diversity and uniqueness at the build-
off was inclusive of decades of preference. No matter Thank you for making our trip most memorable. We
when you were born and what your style preference love all of you.
is, I noticed one common factor – rebels! The variety
of rat rods present was loud, low, chopped, unpainted, Frikkie and Jessica

RATRODMAGAZINE.COM RAT ROD MAGAZINE 51

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