On Sunday, October 28, 2003, the members of Severed Ties gathered at Ontario Motor Speedway in the early hours to finish the preparations for the onslaught of customs that would soon be pouring through Speedway's gates. The largest one-day show held in Southern California was about to begin for the third time.
When the gates opened, even Severed wasn't prepared for the number of people waiting patiently to park, polish, and prepare their custom rides for show inspection. More than 500 ultra-clean customs, in addition to more than 11,000 spectators, entered the Speedway to see all the incredible rides. Regardless of the number of spaces needed, the Severed Ties crew managed to park every custom in a timely manner. We didn't hear a single dissatisfied entrant, but that was probably because most participants had been looking forward to the show for months, as were we.
Since many of the show vendors had set up their displays the day before the show officially began, roll-in was smooth and showgoers were allowed in on the heels of the last custom. From the droves of attendees, Severed had plenty to keep its hands busy. With the hottest trucks Southern California has to offer at our fingertips, several hundred photos were going to keep our staff too busy for any chitchat. Still, we found a moment or two to slobber over the hot Cali' chicks serving as eye-candy for the kick-ass bikini contest. Speaking of Severed's bikini contest, we've been to hundreds of them, and this was by far the most energetic and sexy display of female attributes we've witnessed.
Throughout the day, showgoers and custom truck entrants were treated to live entertainment on a main stage set up in the middle of the show area. The sound continued all day long, thanks to bands such as Grounded, Shatter, Lifted, New Tomorrow, Velvet Dawn, BEID, Breakdance Vietnam, and Forty-Three. If you missed out on the show, you also missed the bands that threw down hard and played as if it was their final performance. A crowd kept vigil at the far end of the venue where professional sport bike stunt demo sessions were held and bikers went for the occasional crowd-pleasing tumble.
As the day progressed, the show's edgy participants walked around to check out the competition, adding an excited tension to the air. See, Octoberfest has become very important to the SoCal show scene in the few years of its existence. Whoever wins Octoberfest claims a huge set of bragging rights, due to the judging done by custom truckers. Attendees are guaranteed a fair shake at this show because the promoters are just as into the scene as the rest of us.
By closing time, the level of anticipation was at an all-time high. Rows and rows of trophies lined the center stage, ready to be handed out to the most killer ride in each respective class. After the awards, Severed gave thanks to all who attended, invited everyone back for Octoberfest 2004, and kicked all our butts out. For more information on next year's show, visit www.severedties.com.