Finally, Some Fresh Air and Sweet Rides!

its restrictions, which has brought about some great debate. Love it or hate it, California is serious about eradicating the pandemic within its borders, and San Benito County has become an experiment of sorts. As of this writing, we’re moving into Stage 3, which means that most businesses are allowed to reopen with proper social distancing measures. It also means that people are ready to go cruising again.

Organized by an eager ’67 Impala owner who goes by “James Impala” on

Facebook, a series of SBC Cruise Nights was created, with a big emphasis on social distancing and no drama. I was eager to finally catch some custom trucks in their natural habitat! But keep in mind, this wasn’t LST, so most of the rides were simply daily drivers or weekend cruisers.

The designated meeting spot was a recently closed Kmart parking lot, after which everyone would head out cruising. As someone who has lived in Hollister for about a decade now, I had never seen any organized cruising in town (aside from bikers during the rally), and I heard people saying that it was just like the good ol’ days, which I’m told was 30-plus years ago.

So, as terrible as the circumstances were that led to selfquarantine, one of the good things that came out of it is that it woke up and rekindled a sleepy town’s love for the long-forgotten art of cruising. Hope you enjoy the photos.