THE HUSTLE TOWN RUMBLE is Houston’s answer to the Rockers versus Mods clashes that took place on beaches of Great Britain in the mid-1960s.
On any given day in 1960s Britain, you could find a large gathering of “rockers” (motorcycle-riding, leather-wearing young people who listened to rock ‘n roll) and “mods” (scooter-riding, suit-and-tie-wearing young people who listened to Ska music), peacefully coexisting.
The two groups generally got along.
But in 1964, over a Bank Holiday Monday in March, mayhem broke out between the two groups on the beach in Calcton-on-Sea, causing a media panic and some sensational headlines. Trouble flared again at the late spring holiday in other British beach towns, including Bournemouth and Brighton.
The media was frightened. The Older Generation was troubled. And the Establishment were appalled. Police tried to stop the ill-mannered behavior of the hoodlums. But the youth of Britain who rode to those seaside resorts on scooters and motorbikes on those holidays were in search of thrills and spills. The country was arguably never the same!
In Houston, Rockers and Mods will come together for three days, November 6-8, to celebrate HUSTLE TOWN RUMBLE VII, a weekend homage to that two-wheeled past. More than 150 registered bikes and scooter riders are expected to attend. Past events have raised more than $3,000 for local charities. This year, all proceeds raised will go to the Houston Food Bank to help those in need over the holidays.
Registration for the event is on Eventbrite. Participants receive a T-shirt, a pin and a patch, as well as admission to all events.
Also on the agenda: Music from The Skatatrophics, The Blind Owls and The Suspects; rides around H-Town, the fourth largest city in the U.S.; raffles and silent auctions, and a bike and scooter show.
Leave the black days of Brighton Beach behind and head to the streets of Houston for a weekend of charity and camaraderie. Find more information on Facebook.
Here’s a bonus treat to inspire you… This Lucozade sports drink commercial from 1998 will get you in the mood for the Hustle Town Rumble!
