Because of the way that the 2006 Lowrider Tour schedule played out, the show at Portland, Oregon, held in early August became the last chance to qualify for the grand finale Super Show in Las Vegas, Nevada. That, combined with the usual strong showing that we've come to expect from the proud Pacific Northwest riders, guaranteed that this year's "P-town" event would be a good one.
As it turned out, more than 350 top rides rolled into the Portland Expo Center, many trying to qualify for "Sin City" Super Show status. The indoor event sponsored by Quaker State, Rockford Fosgate, Fuze Energia Positiva, Harley-Davidson and CCE Hydraulics was a big success with everyone coming out to see the area's best lowriders.The weather that weekend was picture perfect with temperatures in the 80s and, most importantly, no rain for this normally wet city. On the Saturday morning move-in, everyone was setting up and all you could see was quality built vehicles being put on display. We knew then that this was going to be a good show.With the San Mateo, California, stop on the Tour cancelled this year, the boys from Northern California all headed up north to Portland to qualify for the top honors at Las Vegas. Cars rolled in deep from everywhere, with big clubs and individual riders in attendance. Uce Car Club rolled in deep as usual and displayed their rides in the main hall. Other clubs in attendance included Majestics and Rollerz Only, who came out to support the Tour as well as to try to earn the Club of the Year title. Individuals C.C. was also at the show with a few very nice rides. Outstanding C.C. lived up to its name with the club's radical bombs that were on display. Local Showtime C.C. had some fine show cars, including a black '59 Chevy Impala that really captured our attention.
Not to be outdone, Bowtie Connection rolled out a few cool cars, including an original '59 Impala that was put together in 12 days. They also displayed Mitch's clean '65 Impala that looked like it just came out of the assembly plant. The "Certified Gangster" '64 Impala from Bowtie Connection South showed us why it's the top dog. Joe Mendez made it in all of the way from Bakersfield, California, with his "Rags To Riches" '62 Impala convertible that has it all. One that snuck in was "Liquid Assets," a custom big-body Cadillac with a butterscotch flavor. The sweet Caddy rolled in at the time of closing on Saturday afternoon; luckily for the owner, he had a few hours to finish setting up Sunday morning.
This particular photographer had not attended the Portland show in a few years and was tripped out by the atmosphere--it was as if it were 1986 all over again. The girls and guys up here were cool and friendly. You could see all of this in vendor's row where the Boost Mobile booth was jam-packed, Quaker State was busy passing out info on their products and NOS energy drinks was keeping everyone energized with samples. And then there was Lil' Rob, who had people waiting for autographs in his booth, which was overrun by fans.
The live acts were great. Kicking off the concert was local group Steelo, who received major love from the hometown crowd. Mr Capone-e also received a strong response from the audience, especially when he performed his radio hit "Don't Get It Twisted." Baby Bash pumped up the crowd with his "Suga, Suga" and "Baby, I'm Back." Lil' Rob wrapped up the performance by tearing the roof off of the building as DJ E-man spun on the tables for Lil' Rob (as well as Bash). Lil' Rob performed "Super Bad," "Playground," "Bring Out The Freak In You" and "Summer Nights." Once he was done, Portland's finest came out for the bikini contest, which was a walk in the park for the four girls who chose to compete.
When it was all said and done, the Portland show was nothing but positive. If this is what's to be expected for Vegas, the Super Show is going to be one of the best yet. Until then, keep on ridin' and thanks for the support.