Years ago I was with Tom, in Houston, when he created Ripper – The first parade we did – I believe – was the Pasadena rodeo – I was on roller skates with a mask and snorkel. Then the Heights festival had a parade and Ripper went there. Then on to the Art Car parade – I can’t remember if it was the first or second year when the Fish Cycles were brought into the parade, but I do remember my daughters, Misty and Jessica, had SO MUCH FUN!!!! I rode Fishbait and Tom had tie died a shirt and shorts for me to wear which matched Fishbaits colors – Then phlourescent yellow and green –
inside the bicycle were two beverage holders with tubing to provide liquid refreshment to the rider. There was a pulley and rope system which would cause Fishbait to open and close his mouth………..
I knew Tom, then lost touch, but never forgot the great times we shared.
May God bless you and your family –
Dan Lamont
PS
Forgot to mention – Tom had a driver one year for Ripper, and wearing a safari hat holding a canoe paddle, lay in Rippers mouth.
I remember Ripper swinging from one side of the road to the other and all the parents laughing , while their children were in awe, or screaming………….