If you are in Texas and have a run, a short anecdote, won a motorcycle, or what have you, you can see it in Two-Wheel Two-Step. You can e-mail me at southtxshine@yahoo.com.

Back in August, the Euless Texas Police Department ended a months-long investigation into a gas pump skimming scheme that had been rampant across northern Texas. Seems that fraudsters are using universal master keys to gain access to the interior of gas pumps and then installing a PIN-recording device inside. So until service stations invest in upgraded security equipment, you had best keep a close eye on that bill when it comes in… In early September Texas got some top billing in a most unfortunate national listing. Although the National Insurance Crime Bureau just announced that motorcycle thefts have decreased during the last three years, Texas comes in at number two for the most bikes ripped off. California placed first while Florida came in third—what an honor… On September 2–5, the first Thunder Rally of Texas rolled into the Travis County Expo Center just east of Austin with the promise of being “The Next Best Motorcycle Rally in Texas.” That was an obvious comparison to the Republic of Texas Biker Rally held every year at the Expo Center and considered to be the largest (and best) rally in the State. The Thunder Rally suffered terrible attendance due to a number of reasons and even ended a day early so everyone involved could try and salvage a bit of their Labor Day Weekend. But the promoters vow to return next year during the same time and at the same location. Let’s hope the second time’s the charm… On September 17, the Freewheelers MC and the Line Riders MC held a benefit to raise funds to purchase a headstone for Gary Oeser, a.k.a. Ichabod. Ichabod was the president of the Ledbetter Chapter of the Freewheelers MC and was killed back in March in a single-car accident. The event was held at Cyndi’s Hawg Hangout in (where else?) Hogg, Texas, raising more than $2,600 during a day that included a bikini bike wash, motorcycle rodeo and female oil wrestling. Cyndi’s is a great biker hangout located on Highway 21 between Old Dimebox and Caldwell… Demented Cycles out of Bridgeport first teamed up with Texas Music/Red Dirt artist Stoney LaRue in 2009. For this year they worked together to produce a custom chopper valued at $75,000 that was given away during the 2nd annual Ridin’ for a Reason celebrity motorcycle ride on September 25. Beginning at Cooper’s Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que in New Braunsfels, the ride wound through the heart of the Hill Country, ending in historic downtown Luckenbach. A three-hour concert featuring Wade Bowden, Cody Canada and The Departed and Brandon Jenkins followed on the town’s outdoor stage. Ridin’ for a Reason supports the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS), the world’s largest voluntary health organization dedicated to helping fund blood cancer research while providing education and patient services. The day’s event raised more than $31,000. Next on the shop’s agenda is their partnership with Average Joe’s Entertainment who recently announced the giveaway of another Demented Cycles custom chopper. Working with the Nashville duo, Eddie Montgomery and Troy Gentry, a “Golden Ticket” will be included in the jewel case of one copy of the group’s upcoming release Rebels on the Run with one lucky fan winning this one-of-a-kind motorcycle… The morning of October 1, I headed over to NW Houston for the fifth running of the MotorMet Car and Bike Show held in the parking lot of the Metropolitan Baptist Church (The MET) on Jones Road. The church’s mission statement concerning the show is to provide a family-friendly event by offering regional car and motorcycle enthusiasts and clubs the chance to display their vehicles with the chance to score some great trophies. And the day was absolutely stunning, a perfect combination of cool temperatures (after a sweltering summer) with a light breeze and just the right touch of clouds providing occasional shade. And the event was well attended—sorta. There were more than 100 cars and trucks (with some very unique creations on hand) but only nine motorcycle entries. And as far as I could tell, the entire event was free! No admission price, no entry fees-kinda free. And still only nine bikes. Maybe the day was too perfect and no one wanted to let it pass and decided to spend it riding instead… That same weekend, Cut-N-Shoot Charities Inc. wheeled their latest fundraising item out to Yankee’s Tavern in Carlos—a 2012 H-D Street Glide FLHX. Cut-N-Shoot Charities is an offshoot of the Cut-N-Shoot H.O.G. Chapter #2525, one of the most widely recognized H.O.G. chapters in the nation. Sponsored by Texan Harley-Davidson in Conroe, Harley-Davidson of Kingwood and Harley-Davidson of The Woodlands, all monies collected will be distributed to the Montgomery County Women’s Shelter and the Montgomery County Food Bank. The drawing will be held on December 11 at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds. (Winner need not be present.) But there are only 5,000 tickets being sold at $20 each so don’t wait too long. Go to www.cutnshootcharities.org for more info… And while this really isn’t a Texas event, it’s near enough to possibly gain some Texans’ interest; Slick Willy’s Ocean Cruzin Biker Style is slated for January 20–28. An eight-day, all-inclusive cruise that promises adventure, danger and romance, it departs from New Orleans and runs through Cozumel, Grand Cayman and Jamaica before returning to Louisiana. The all-inclusive part includes free beer, booze and food (damn), a pre-cruise party in New Orleans and a shot at winning a 2012 Harley Street Glide (popular prize as of late). So get your landlubber behind over to www.oceancruzin.com for details, matey.