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I reckon it was late 2001. The MTF was young and composed of a bunch of riders with keyboards, modems and a desire to share our knowledge with and learn from others in a lively and respectful environment. Much in the same way as newbies today, we gradually learned each other's mannerisms and cautiously allowed our own to appear in posts. Over time the MTF culture matured and it became obvious that sharing words over the internet just wasn't enough. We needed to engage each other in a more direct manner.
Now there are numerous ways we could engage one another, but I thought the only rational and logical way was by combining the two moral imperatives we all share – riding and eating. We talked about it a bit and a few folks attempted to make it more difficult than it needed to be. In its simplest form an MTF lunch is when someone gets an urge to eat somewhere and posts a message inviting anyone and everyone who wants to break bread with them. It really is that simple.

I may be off here a little, but the first MTF lunch happened in January of 2002 in Waco, Texas. Pat Voce was the first to pipe in and suggest whoever was hungry should meet at the welcome center next to the Texas Ranger's museum at high noon. We would decide where to eat after that. I replied that if anyone saw a big ol' boy on Wing headed south on I-35 from Dallas, it would likely be me. While zoom-zooming down I-35 I see a bike ahead of me. Naturally, I twisted the throttle even more to catch up and take a look. I passed and waved to a guy on a green Honda Shadow. A few miles later I exited for some gas and here comes the rider on the Shadow. He pulls up next to me and asks, “Are you going to the lunch?” I replied in the affirmative and introduced myself. Turns out the rider was no other than our very own Don Braziel. Here's another tidbit of history... Don's green Shadow is now Jim Sims' Green Lady.

When Don and I arrived at the welcome center Pat was already there. Yep. Just three bulls at the first lunch – Pat Voce, Don Braziel and Jason Jonas. Pat went in and asked where a good place to eat was and the lady behind the desk suggested we go to Buzzard Billy's in downtown Waco. The food was good, but meeting and laughing with each other was priceless. We knew this would not be the last one.

Over the years lunches have occurred all over North America in many different states and provinces. And if you think only the locals go, you'd be grossly mistaken. While lunches are an excuse to break bread together, they are an excuse to ride as well. It's not uncommon for folks to ride 500-1000 miles just to attend a lunch and turn around and ride home with a belly full of whatnot and a big ol' smile plastered on their face. Yes, we are that funny-looking!

In the past, people have suggested we keep track of all who attend and give awards to those who participate. Quite honestly, this just isn't in line with the original intent and spirit of what an MTF Lunch is supposed to be. It's an informal gathering of riders who want to meet, greet, laugh and break bread together.

If you haven't attended an MTF Lunch, consider it. The lunches have become a vital part of our culture as they are wonderful and informal ways to meet each other face to face. And if you know of a good place to eat and haven't announced an MTF Lunch, what are you waiting for?! Stop holding out on us! Give us an excuse to ride and eat. You never know who will show up.

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