WOW! Another Spring Rally and yet another great year! I was nervous about
this year considering the real estate market, the economy and the fuel prices.
Fortunately that didn't phase any of my loyal customers as well as quite a few
new ones. As always my friends from home showed up and showed their support to
me and the staff! I don't think any of you realize just how much it means to me
and now to the staff that you come down every year and make K-Rae's your "home base"
all week. It makes Bike Week that much more special being able to see everyone
from home and to be able to be "myself" for the week. I met quite a few new people
this year as well. I'll be going home next week and will be spending one day just bar
hopping to all the places that I met owners of in Worcester, Southbridge, Dudley etc.
Met quite a few Jersey boys and loads of people from New York! Met a cute little
couple from Philly and he made me an awesome Mai Tai, which I haven't had since I
left MA. He brought me some simple syrup the next day to make a "real" Mai Tai but
unfortunately we were so SLAMMED at the time I didn't get a chance to have one then.
I do want to let him know though, I made one the next day and it was the BEST! Those
of you who know me, know I remember faces not names so I feel horrible that I can't
remember their names. I want to say Josh or Justin. Just know that you made and
impression and you can guest bartend here anytime. I had a ball with you two!
Met a few guys with tattoos of Pats logo's and two in particular, Bill and
Kevin, were here all week. I had a great time with you guys and will be
posting the pics Bill sent me as well. As always the WEASELS were here in
full force ALL WEEK and boy do I love that group! Ya'll are so fun and nice
to be around that I really do get sad when you leave. I never have a chance
to really chat with anyone during bike week but just seein you all outside
as a group makes me remember why I do this.
This year Bob Zaleski brought down his Budweiser Chopper and displayed it in
the bar all week. Everyone was amazed at the detail and work that went into
it. Too bad the Bud Distributor down here didn't bother to appreciate it as
much as the customers did. It's a beautiful bike and made quite an
impression.
There were so many great people that I saw from last year and met this year,
I wish I could name everyone! But, as always I would feel awful if I left
anyone out so I will just say that every single person that came through the
door this year made quite an impression on me. When we are sitting here in
the quiet of the off season and ask ourselves over and over, "WHY DO WE DO
THIS?" Bike Week answers that question. As stressful as it is getting
ready for it, I wouldn't change it for anything.
Of course Bike Week would not be nearly as smooth without my unbelievable
staff either. I absolutely could not do it without them! Mary, I would
seriously be in a straight jacket if it weren't for your constant support
and "shoulder". Being here from open to close, without being asked, without
complaining and listening to me vent my frustrations with the usual
unexpected crap is worth more than any amount of money!! The regular staff
of Elaina, Erin, Big Jim, Ereik on the bar and the one and only "Blankie" in
the kitchen ROCKED this week! We also had some "newbies" that are now
regular staff of Tara and Ashley that also rocked under pressure. Judy on
the beer tub again this year sold some beeahs let me tell ya! Emily,
Debbie, Tommy Jennifer, Craig, Dale, John and Gordy kicked major butt in the
bar and Ed was a rock in the kitchen considering he started on Saturday, the
busiest day of bike week! DJ Selby kept the crowd going with karaoke which
I'll be honest thought would bore people. There are so many bands that play
bike week I thought we might lose the crowds but took a chance. Once again
Selby kept all entertained and we were here 'til 4am most nights with some
awesome singers.
Anyhooooo, another year is over and I couldn't be happier with the outcome.
The customers were awesome, the staff ROCKED and we all survived. Thank you
to ALL who participated!! Here's to even bigger and better next year!
-K-Rae