As we approach 2024 and our 7th annual Fast Life Campout. I recently spent some time going through photos from 2021 and FLC4. The campout held a special significance in 2021. For me, just crossing the one-year mark of pursuing photography, I captured every moment with my camera, resulting in over 6000 shots. Among those shots were some genuinely iconic images that perfectly encapsulated the essence of our campout.
In 2021, the world was slowly returning to normal, or at least the new normal that we would come to know. In our 4th year, it was truly inspiring to see how the fast life campout evolved into a unique experience for everyone involved, even though it started without any particular goals or plans. Just show up, camp, ride, and party. The way the participants made the trip and event their own is what it is all about.
FLC4, I realized that for many individuals, the campout served as a destination or a purpose to embark on a journey across the country on two wheels. It was a place where one could connect with individuals they had previously only interacted with on social media but had yet to meet in person. For many, the campout seemed to begin as soon as they packed out their motorcycle and hit the road. Riders would form groups based on their origin location. For instance, a person from Boston would join some riders from Long Island before merging with a group from Virginia. These groups would expand as they approached the K-River in Moyers, Oklahoma. All the while, they were having unique experiences before they ever unpacked their bike at the event.
Let me provide you with some context about The Fast Life Campout. In 2017, I had the opportunity to experience my first motorcycle camping trip at Giddy Up in New Braunfels, Texas. The camping area had a profound impact on my motorcycling experience. As soon as the bonfires were lit, everyone was welcoming and hospitable, offering whatever they had to share. The conversations around the fires, the friendships I formed, and the memories I made during that year have been truly transformative for me. In April 2018, we kicked off a bike night event at one of my preferred bars, “Anvil Pub,” in the Deep Ellum district of Dallas. Within the first two months, a handful of us created strong friendships, and by September, we, as a group, organized the inaugural Fast Life Campout. The bike night that we have been hosting in Deep Ellum has been a long-standing tradition, and we are proud to continue it to this day. Over the almost 7-year span, we recently decided to call it “T-Bar Tuesday.” Here are a few throwback photos from our early days at bike night and the first campout.
The idea of the Campout was to provide the performance motorcycle community, which was relatively small at the time, with an event that was straightforward yet very similar to the Giddy Up experience I had the year prior. The K-River Campground is an excellent destination for riding enthusiasts in southeast Oklahoma. The campsite offers a relaxed atmosphere with minimal rules and law enforcement, allowing bikers to enjoy their riding experience to the fullest. Additionally, the campground’s location in the heart of America makes it a convenient choice for riders from all over the country.
FLC4 held a special place in the hearts of many due to its remarkable growth from 2020 to 2021. There appeared to be an intense desire among attendees to connect with one another, create lasting memories, and make the best of any situation. Given the previous year’s uncertainty, I believe the overall atmosphere was overwhelmingly positive. The attendance grew from around 200 in 2020 to 700 in 2021. Despite the increase in numbers, the event still maintained a sense of intimacy and provided ample opportunities for attendees to connect and network with one another.
We have always emphasized that our event is for riders. However, we want to make it clear that we welcome everyone who wants to experience the event, regardless of whether they choose to trailer their motorcycle or not bring one at all. We have many attendees who rent RVs or stay in cabins, and we fully support their participation. We hope that those who don’t ride will be inspired by the men and women who do and perhaps consider joining us on a motorcycle in the future.
As we approach our 7th event in 2024, we have decided to refocus back on the core premise of The Fast Life Campout. While we have introduced some new elements over the years, a more simplistic approach will better serve our attendees and the overall experience. We have never done vendors but have always welcomed brands to come and connect with their customer base at our event. We appreciate the positive and fun-loving attitude that brands like Simpson Motorcycle Helmets and Thundermax USA bring.
We look forward to continuing to work with them and other brands in the future.
In conclusion, The Fast Life Campout presents a unique opportunity for individuals to step out of their comfort zones and connect with like-minded individuals from various parts of the country and world. It serves as a source of inspiration for those seeking to explore new horizons and provides a platform for individuals to inspire others. The event offers a chance to break away from the monotony of everyday motorcycle routines and discover a newfound appreciation for the open road and a lifelong connection to the motorcycle lifestyle.
We hope to see you at The Fast Life Campout 7 Thursday, May 2nd – Sunday, May 5th, at the K-river campground in Moyers, Oklahoma!