Shine and the 28th Street Metro Cruise

Throughout the years, our man Jimmy Shine has really maximized the hot rod travel scene, and this year has been no different. I reported touring events in New Zealand; Australia; Yokohama, Japan; Denmark; Finland; Moscow and all over the USA. This past August found Jimmy in the Grand Rapids, Michigan area for the 10th annual 28th Street Metro Cruise.

The event produces some pretty impressive numbers. Did I say “impressive”? How about 250,000 visitors descending on 28th Street in Wyoming and Kentwood, Michigan to view more than 15,000 classic cars—now that’s impressive for any kind of event, especially one that officially runs for only two days. Obviously the entire community supports the Metro Cruise, which started as a way to draw attention to 28th Street. With the opening of highway M6, the city’s real concern was that 28th Street would become a ghost town with traffic bypassing Wyoming and Kentwood. This event showcases the area and local businesses, which were reluctant at first, but have learned to embrace the Cruise and even produce their own events in conjunction with it. It’s a win-win-win for all, especially the car crowd.

The Metro Cruise is a laid-back event with plenty of room for everyone and an unbelievable schedule. As the old saying goes, if we don’t offer it, you don’t need it! Jimmy told me it’s more like a car- oriented county fair than anything else. Thanks to old friends Steve Sturim, Todd Duncan, John Beck and Marge from Marge’s Donut Den, Jake Moomey, Mike Mondrella, Marshall Alexander, Jeff Watkins, Ron “the Mortician” Willit, Chad Folkema, Charlie Cleland, Al Wright, Jim McGee and all of the guys in the Relix Car Club for a stunning weekend.

Now, in the category of “things Pete’s not taken care of” is a note to say that good friend, renowned hot rodder and novelist Jim Lindsay’s classic ’50s coming of age story is a must-read. The title alone, Little Bastards, was enough to pique my interest, as well as the cover photo, which looks just like a shot of my high school pals from El Monte, California. The travels of the these Oregon youths down the California coast brought back so many memories I damn near read it cover to cover without setting it down once. Check it out on Amazon or at Barnes & Noble. You won’t be disappointed, and it’s just in time for holiday gift-giving as well.

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