Las Vegas Super Show '02

When the staffs of Lowrider and Lowrider Bicycle Magazines rolled up to the gates of Cashman Field Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, we did so in the prestigious "Aztec Dos" tour hauler. The 18-wheeler hit 15 LRM sanctioned shows and two non-sanctioned shows throughout Lowrider's 2002 Scrapin' Tour. Rarely taking a break, Lowrider, along with sponsors Gumout, Quaker State, Nitto, Dayton Wire Wheels, ShowTime Hydraulics and Thump Records, tried to bring our loyal show goers and readers nothing but the best that the sport has to offer.

This year's Super Show was memorable. Cashman Field was ground zero for the big event where competitors from far and wide in this great nation showed up to show off their bikes and trikes, all with one thought in mind... gold. Not just any gold, but the coveted Lowrider Bike and Trike of the Year awards, as well as the various other category awards. Once again this year, they were lining up early to get a great bike spot at the "Sin City" Super Showdown.

The day started early for all of us preparing ourselves for the outcome of this important day in lowriding history. Seeing many familiar faces that we've met throughout the Tour was great, and stopping to chat was a job in itself; a job enjoyed by the staff. Surprisingly, a few "big" players in the show circuit didn't make it this year, one being Fred Madrigal of Legions Bike Club, the two-time Trike of the Year winner with "Livin' Legend." "Fred Nut" couldn't attend the show due to technical difficulties and is waiting to come back next year to regain his title. Another person who made the show, but not with his bike, was "Wild Suspense" owner Mario Moreno, who told us that he would finish the bike in time for next October, keeping everyone in complete suspense for next year's look. Thanks, Mario!

Two other people were there in spirit with their bikes being shown by their clubs. The first was Mario Duarte of Neighborhood Dreams B.C. with "Straight Clowning," which looked great thanks to his club who finished his ride. Looking just as sharp was the Smurfs-theme three-wheeler belonging to "Twinkie" of Elegants B.C. Elegants members finished the task and showed the bike in his memory. LRB thanks all of those who helped in these two bike projects because you guys gave your friends a great tribute.

On a lighter note, reigning Bike of the Year champion Angus West was there to defend his title to the fullest with his bike "Spawn," even with all of the new blood entering the ring to compete for the award. Proving to be untouchable, Angus took home the gold one more time with his outrageously popular bike. The battle for Second Place went down to the wire, however. Isidro Juarez of Rollerz Only C.C. had a serious contender in his "Prophecy 3" two-wheeler, while Sebastian Paz of Nemesis B.C. displayed his "Man of Steel," a bike that couldn't be held back by kryptonite itself. When the winners were read at the end of the day, both contenders had their fingers crossed. But then Man of Steel's entry number was called for Third Place and Isidro was indeed the runner-up in the Bike of the Year Sweepstakes.

As for the three-wheel class, Isaac and Monique Ramirez placed Third with their "Excalibur Knight of Honor." This result surprised them both, since they got bumped up a class, and they received their trophy with ear to ear smiles. Second Place went to Gene and Cody Bare, whose cool trike was outscored only by Jesse Prado from Rollerz Only C.C. Jesse will wear the Trike of the Year crown for the next year.

Well, it was long and bumpy road this year, but it's finally over. By the time of next year's Legends Tour, we hope that all of the "kinks" are ironed out, meaning that the rules can't be changed on the day of the event, since they're pretty much set in stone as written in the official rulebook. We can't wait to see what next year's Tour will bring during the regular show season and at the grand finale, scheduled once again in Las Vegas. We hope to see you all in 2003.