5:10 to Buckeye

You’ve probably heard of the movie, 3:10 to Yuma and its 2007 remake starring Russell Crowe. The Wednesday night ride that departs East Vine resembles much of the script in this great action western.

How might you ask? The soul goal of the ride is to catch the train that heads north to Buckeye, which then works its way west & south to Cement Plant Alley for the final showdown at dusk! Along the route many become ill fated, SHOT out the back, or simply deceived and worked over by the tyrants... Like the movie, the end of the road has a twist, and it’s every Cowboy for himself. For he who draws swiftly, simply wins!

Last night April 2nd was no exception, out of the blocks at a steady 25 mph the wind was favorable as the 17 strong group headed north. Uncertain of the decision to go full distance to Buckeye, the group soon became fewer as opinions were voiced aloud. “Left at Owl canyon”, “Go straight”, “That’s easy for you to say, some of us live on the south end of town”, “You guys better pull through if we are going straight”, As the train headed north it gained momentum and was now steaming along at 30+ mph, the pressure soon took it’s toll, several became derailed as the train ceased to let up!

By the time the train changed direction and headed due west to oblivion, there were only 9 remaining passengers. “Two-Gun Davis” (Rich Davis) was first to put the train in the gutter as the strong southerly wind hit home. Quick to draw was “Butch Workman” (Dan Workman) & “Sundance Cole” (Brad Cole). Disgruntled by the attack “Red Ryder Porter” (Dan Porter) came out blazing and launched him self up the climb leaving a trail of chaos! “Iron eyes Esposti” (Paul Esposti) scrambled for the wheel along with the remainder. A ceasefire was called and the remaining 9 passengers took turns cutting the bitter cross wind. More steam was in order as the train turned south, the wind was modestly against the group. “Two-Gun Davis” & “Iron Eyes Esposti” failed to agree on wind direction which would dictate the direction of rotation. “Black Rider” (Forest) brought up the rear as the train gained more steam.

Tension built as Cement Plant Alley came into sight and the passengers were all on board for the final showdown. The train speedily took its final turn, first to attack was “Kid Kirby” (Kirby) he managed to break loose and pull away. It was poker face time for the players. “Iron Eyes Esposti” showed his hand first and minimized the damage of “Kid Kirby” running out of steam he was quick to sling shot “Red Ryder Porter” into the line of fire before becoming derailed. “Kid Kirby’s” efforts were swallowed by the train as it drew near the finish. The train’s momentum slowed momentarily as the players were reluctant to reveal their hand. The final scramble to the summit obliterated the train, as riders derailed.
“Sundance Cole” emerged strongest & quickest to the summit, and took the victory for Team Legacy Energy...

Paul Esposti