The cowboys have all cum and gone, but many a San Diegan is feeling the aftereffects of being ridden all weekend long. Cowboys came from all over to test the chutes of the local folk, and from what I can gather we stood up pretty good. That is, those of us that could still stand or walk.

The party Thursday night at Kickers was a blast! Rodeo folk were wearing long-sleeved shirts with jeans, boots and hats. Luckily, there was an auction, which enticed some of the “real” cowboys to strip and sell their hides for charity. Yippee! Cowboys taking off their clothes for a good cause. Actually, cowboys taking off their clothes for any reason is a good cause. The most impressive aspect of the kick-off party – besides the naked men – was the support from various segments of the community. Reigning Imperial Court Empress Ophelia handled the mic, and Buster, Mr. San Diego Leather, took his clothes off. Everyone has their strengths. Buster still has time to gain more mic experience, but, in the meantime, he can keep taking his clothes off. Empresses, on the other hand, don’t strip. They have way too much class for that.

According to Will Hutchinson, Mr. Central California Leather 2006, who is also secretary of the Greater Los Angeles Chapter Golden State Gay Rodeo Association, the dance was packed, the block surrounding the host hotel was sold out several days ahead of the deadline, and there were a lot of very eye-appealing shirtless men in the gorgeous sunny weather, along with an equally attractive number of women and a visible representation of what appeared to be heterosexual families.

Hats off to the organizers for being prepared and providing a safe and secure environment for us to do what we do best – cruise men!

It seems just about everybody in San Diego was born 30-plus years ago. Sir Nicholas of the San Diego Eagle celebrated his 50th birthday in style. The soiree was held at the San Diego Automotive Museum in Balboa Park. Sir Nicholas is always one to remember others – even on his birthday. In lieu of gifts, guests were requested to bring food items for Homefront San Diego “to support our brave men and women in uniform.” Of course, the San Diego Automotive Museum is full of cars and motorcycles that few people can afford, but if I were a rich man, I know there’s a car there with my name on it. If there’s a rich man reading this – I accept gifts! The food catered by Top Hat and music by the band The Heroes made this a night to remember. Oh, I can’t forget about the baby pictures. Something about a top in diapers that makes you go hmm!

Elsewhere, the most adorable mouse in town threw a surprise party for the always-sexy massage guy, Brad. Get this, he was really surprised. Who knew that anyone in San Diego could and/or would keep a secret? We also want to wish local photographer Bela a happy birthday. We all know Bela because we have his/our pictures posted someplace online. We’d never get laid without Bela. While we’re at it, happy birthday to John B, Craig L, Phil O and Mack.

If you’ve been to the gym lately, you may have noticed that it’s gotten way more crowded than it was a few weeks ago. We want to think it’s because we’ve gained this sudden interest in fitness, but the reality is it’s IML time again. Yes, guys, it’s time to beef up, dust off those leathers and get to Chicago. Obviously, we’re all going there just to cheer on Dutch, our local Mr. San Diego Leather 2005. For those of you who’ve never been to International Mr. Leather, remember to pace yourself, drink plenty of fluids and stay in bed as much as possible. When you’re not drinking or in bed, there are all kinds of shopping and events going on throughout the weekend. On the second day, just hang out in the lobby and let the men come to you. Believe me, they will come. There is a complete listing of events on the IML Web site, www.imrl.com.

If you need to get warmed up for IML, the boys of San Diego are having their annual boyfest May 19-21. Daddy Don and boy joe will be stepping down as San Diego Leather Daddy and boy that weekend. As you may recall, both of them were awarded the national titles back in December, and they have proven just how much they deserved it. Thanks, guys, for a terrific year and we wish you well for the remainder of your national title year.

That same weekend will be another L.L. Bear at Rich’s, so we’ll have plenty to do before jetting off to Chicago. Also in the works is a send-off party for Dutch, so check your online Yahoo groups and calendars for when and where. Well, that’s it for now. There’s always something happening in town and… if you have an event you want listed or want to buy me new leather for IML, e-mail inthepit@aol.com. See you at L.L. Bear.