17 and 18 June 2011: For the ninth year in a row in Bottrop (D) the Bottrop Kustom Kulture was held: a big event for, as they say, 'Hot Rods, Kustom Cars and Cool Motorbikes!'. As I was infected two years ago with the hot rod virus at the Hot Rod Hayride (GB), I wanted to go there this year.

  
       
    But before I went to Bottrop I had an early appointment at the motorcycle shop named Van Sleeuwen Motoren at Volkel. Because of its high mileage my GSX-R1100 will be featured in the Dutch motorcycle mag Moto73.  
       
    Journalist Peter van der Sanden (mostly smiling, on the right) will write the article on my 121,000 km bike.  
       
   

The footpegs show the bike has been used intensively.

Picture: Peter van der Sanden

  
       
 
 

A little scratch here and there, a little rattle in the engine. But what do you expect after nine summers and winters, riding in rain or shine. It's definitely a very reliable and indestructible bike.

Picture: Peter van der Sanden

  
       
    For example: I visited Altes Elefantentreffen this and last year, halfway February.  
       
    In my tent, of course; it's that collapsed thing on the right.  
       
   

Back to Volkel.

I'm not a polisher, as it is futile while riding all year long. And greasy parts will never rust.

Picture: Peter van der Sanden.

  
       
    After the inspection results were noted. While enjoying a cup of coffee. Quite a relaxed atmosphere in that shop.  
       
 
 

Then it was time for a bike-with-owner picture. Enjoy the relaxed look on my face; you can tell I'd rather take pictures than have pictures taken of me.

Picture: Peter van der Sanden

  
       
   

Then followed a series of action shots.

Picture: Peter van der Sanden

  
       
    Finally we rode to Peters house. His wife made us a nice meal and he interviewed me. And he told me about his passion: travelling off-road and organizing off-road trips.  
       
    Meanwhile the weather forecast predicted a lot of rain.  
       
    At 15.00h I was back home to exchange the GSX-R for the CBX ...  
       
 
 

... and after a succefull (and dry!) ride I arrived at the airport nearby the German village Bottrop.

I did not intend to put the CBX on the show: it's not a classic '30s / '40s / '50s / '60s bike, not a twin, not an American engine. But as I arrived I found out that I wasn't allowed to put the tent next to the bike, and I didn't like that a bit: I certainly won't leave the CBX at an unattended parking lot. Then an employee called organizer Ivan*, and shortly after I was allowed to enter the (guarded!) show grounds.

* Picture: Dirk Behlau

  
       
 
 

As usual the CBX was a stranger in our midst. This time between low, rounded and colorful twins.

Picture: Sabine Welte

  
     
 
 

Meanwhile Erwin (on the left, with sidecar) and Saks (on the right, with beer) arrived. Brave (reckless?) Erwin started to put up his marquee. Because it had started raining and a BBQ was inevitable.

Immediately a guard smurf approached ...

  
     
 
 

... to tell us that we were not allowed to. Apparently the rules were tightened since the problems (read: the casualties) at the last Love Parade at Duisburg. Understandable, but annoying.

  
     
 
 

After much hassle we ended up on a special camp site. It was already pretty crowded but we found a spot for the party tent and sleeping tents. My small tent (in the middle) is usually not the biggest problem.

  
     
 
 

Erwin had his side car fully loaded with tent, BBQ, meat, bear, soda, salad and even firewood. Fully equipped. Like a maniac, he prepared our supper. For that he had to chop kindling-wood.

"Sit quietly for a moment man, I can not take a picture!"

  
     
 
  "Okay."  
     
 
  It was worth the effort: the familiar sausages were doubtful as ever, the marinated pork chops were simply delicious.  
     
 
 

Combined with a nice beer, all perfect.

  
     
 
 

More than once the strong winds and the fierce rain turned the cozy fire into a smoke screen. Saks (on the right) thickened it a bit with a cigarette.

  
     
 
 

Late in the evening it was quite busy on the site.

  
     
 
 

The music marquee was a bit overcrowded but the atmosphere was very pleasant.

  
     
 
  At 03.00h I called it a day, and about 08.00h I was alive and kicking again. Apparently I was one of the first.  
     
 
  Only now I had time to admire what's on the field. Classics like this 'rusty' 1966 VW Karmann Ghia. Rust is quite hip nowadays but mostly no more than a clever paintjob. This was my favorite car on the show not only because we share the same year of birth.  
     
 
  I liked this Chevy Impala Wagon from 1962. At first glance in dilapidated original state ...  
     
 
  ... but at closer view mounted with huge lightweight rims and Corvette calipers. Nice combination: classic looks with a strong hint of new today.  
       
    Similarly, the ol' hot rod ... powered with Chevy small block and huge blower.  
     
 
  Again: old and new. A classic car in the front and a KTM sport motorcycles tent in the back.  
       
    This unrestored hot rod looked like it could fall apart any moment. marcars trailered it to the event.  
       
   

Two years ago this Ford was one of my favorites at the Hot Rod Hayride. Long, low and wide, still a beauty.

  
     
 
  Meanwhile the weather got worse.  
     
 
 

But fortunately there were many visitors. Such an event really falls apart when nobody shows up.

  
     
 
  A picture of toilet paper? Yes, good toilets are worth showing and mentioning as they are scarce at bike events.  
       
   

The bike show was quite, how shall I say, 'un-German': there was no system in positioning the bikes. A bit messy but not disturbing. It was a show and not a competition, that's probably why the specs sheets were missing.

  
     
 
 

My favorite was this low narrow Guzzi with its characteristic large transverse twin.

  
       
    Mine was not the only 'Japan-based' bike. There were some chopped twins like the popular Yamaha XS650 and this one with a Honda powerplant.  
       
   

Another Jap: this extraordinarily long, low, absurd CB750 from Belgium. An unrideable eye-catcher. This all seems like negative qualifiers but I think it's great these kind of bikes are built.

  
     
 
 

Between the showers some polished their bike. To me that was a pretty hopeless activity.

 
     
 
  Because bright sunshine ...  
     
 
 

... alternated with fierce rainfall. Nevertheless, the rain didn't stop everyone examining the cars.

  
     
 
  And it could not spoil the mood.  
       
 
  The wind was quite fierce as well. Here you see my sister Cécile with the sad remains of her umbrella.  
     
 
 

During the downpour the marquees were overcrowded. On the right you see the trophies for the drag racing contest that would be held at 14.00h. Which were canceled because of the weather, of course ...

  
     
 
 

... until suddenly the sky cleared and the racing could start. Nice to see (and hear!) all those old crates. Nothing beats the sound of a roaring V8 with open exhaust. The biggest surprise , however, was the Vespa in the middle of the picture; no idea what engine it had but it won the sprint from a motorcycle.

 
       
    The drag race suddenly stopped as it started raining again. Many visitor went home; some quiet, some loud.  
     
 
  Just before leaving I met journalist, photographer and friend Sabine Welte. She took this and the next two pictures.  
     
 
  Picture: Sabine Welte  
     
 
  Picture: Sabine Welte  
     
 
 

The return trip was in style: bright sunshine interspersed with very heavy rain, including lightning and heavy winds.

  
     
 
  This is a screendump form buienradar, on Saturday June 18 juni 2011 at 18.55h. The purple dots are beginning and end of the trip. The yellow crosses indicate thunderstorms with lightning.  
     
 
  It provided me with nice pictures. A pity the trip continued towards the horizon.  
     
 
  Still: beautiful.  
     
 
 

The CBX looked somewhat less beautiful as I got home. No matter: those were two nice days.