FIFI Firing All 4 Engines

This Memorial day I was lucky enough to watch as the Commemorative Air Force ran up all four engines on “FiFi”, the B-29 Bomber. It’s been a few years since she’s seen the skies due to her age. Fortunately, as an airplane, new-er parts can replace those which failed, but she still maintains the integrity of what she was built for 60+ years ago.

I was lucky enough to witness the nearly 1,000 motorcycles that took to the highway from a Vietnam Memorial to a WWII Memorial several towns over. To see so many riders, many of them Veterans themselves, on the road as a way of recognizing those who’ve passed and those who serve, was an overwhelming feeling. The freedom to be on the road myself, on my own two wheels, feeling the wind rush around me… I am thankful.

Our histories tell our stories. Someone, somewhere in your life, was in a battle. The uncle who never talks about what he saw, but wears his unit patch with pride. The cousin who jokes about all the weapons he’s trained on, but you don’t hear from him for months. The grandfather who flew a B-24 in Italy, once down to two engines coming over the Alps, unsure he’d ever make it back, but so thankful he did. The friend who worked in the trauma units, repairing wounded soldiers, now who savors the quiet ease of a home-town doctor’s office. You yourself may have a story to share. Your experience, your thoughts, your actions.

It’s the day after now. We keep moving forward and try not to forget.

Instead we thought we’d celebrate in some other ways…

Stop by the WarBikes facebook page on Monday for a chance to win a t-shirt. There’s going to be a pop-quiz to see just how well you’ve paid attention to the Gunfighter motorcycle build. Don’t worry, it won’t be a hard question, like “What is Kenny’s middle name?” because we don’t even know the answer to that. (That man is a mystery.) It will probably involve questions like “How many propeller blades can be found with both the P-51 Mustang Gunfighter and the Motorcycle Gunfighter?” (6? 12? 20?)

Well, now that I’ve asked it on here, I can’t very well ask it on Monday, now can I? But feel free to count & chime in with your answer here.

In other (beer-related) news, the Commemorative Air Force is holding their 2nd Annual Hops & Props event tomorrow night at the Commemorative Center in Midland, Texas. There are a limited number of tickets left at the door for music by Brian Milson, a silent auction and beer tasting. Come check it out.

In Gunfighter (the lovely P-51d who soars through the air) news, she kicks off her air show tour season this week. More info can be found on her appearance schedule at the Great Plains Wing site.

We’ve relished the feedback and commentary from places like Cyril Huze Blog. If you’re a Colonel, check your next issue of Dispatch to see an article all about WarBikes as well.

Coming up April 30-May 2, we’re sneaking Gunfighter away from her garage just long enough to be on display at the West Texas Motorcycle Show, which conveniently enough will be held in Midland, Texas. No, we won’t let her participate in any of the stunts, we’re opting to keep her polished paint job scratch-free instead.

Stick around and celebrate with us. WarBikes has got so many more projects and ideas shaping up in the studio/garage, that even us keyboard monkeys are getting grease under our fingernails.

The Reveal

Ralph and Knockout Motorcycle Company polish up the last remaining details on the custom motorcycle that has now become known as Gunfighter. One last test to make sure everything works and the engine rumbles before taking the bike to Las Vegas.

The Gunfighter Motorcycle is unveiled to an awed crowd at the Commemorative Air Force 50th Anniversary celebration held in Las Vegas. In 28 days he pulled off this fantastic bike.

Stay tuned for more behind the scenes build video and upcoming promotions.