Sturgis 2012 - Cool Stuff & Cool People . . .

There was lots to see this year. Great hookin' up with Part-Timer Steve, Rich & Laura, Milwaukee Mike and all my other friends of the chopper world. It was fun helping Tim unload all those parts (and he drove the trusty GMC all the way from Cali . . . wow !) I met so many new friends, and hooked up with all the old ones. It was just a totally refreshing trip and it makes it worthwhile to just hit the road and get your thoughts in order. I couldn't ask for anything more !

Sturgis 2012 - Break Loose Time . . .

All that stress, my bike running like shit on Day 1 (Pingel Petcock Problems) . . . Rode out with Kike, Frosty, Sneeky . . . then hooked up with McKenzee and his kid . . . this all prompted an "official break loose and let's party session" once we got to Sturgis.  Foghat fuckin' rocked it - all the crazee's were on the loose.  Easyriders Saloon, The Knuckle, The Dungeon and finally One-Eyed Jacks - all rockin' . . . Girls gone wild, beer flowin', a shot o' fun . . . just jump right in with all the bikers in every shape and form.  Hey, we made it !

PS. FIVE 13 Band from Colorado was great . . . 

 

Dan "Bacon" Carr - Sturgis 2012

Probably the highlight of my trip was just hanging around with my friend Dan Carr.  I wanted to go because he was going to be there - and we always have a good time talking about bikes and life.  He drove up with his Born-Free 4 - Drake Knuckle Chop he built all himself.  Bacon also brought a stroker shovelhead with hydraulic clutch and other goodies (the first couple photos) for a customer from Canada to pick up at Sturgis. Bacon, is a young bike builder who also does his own motors.  That's not easy . .  and doesn't always go as planned.  That's what has impressed me the most about him.  He is one of the few who attempts all aspects of the bike builds. He got me (and Negotiable Tim) passes to get into the Michael Lichter show and dinner.
It was awesome to say the least  . . .

I met Dan at the Full Throttle Saloon where he was working to help pay for his trip - putting in a 40 hour week doing service work on whatever came in.  Changing tires, oil, fixing transmissions - he was grease and dirt from one end to the other.  We walked into this artsy gallery type of show - and BAM - Michael Lichter had Bacon up on the box next to his latest build . . . "So, tell us about this . . ." being a man of few words - Dan kept it short and sweet and really looked the part.  No fluff, no fancy shit - you get what you get.  All the builders get a huge hats off - If you didn't get to Born Free 4 . . . I'm posting more insight and photos of these custom motorcycles comin' up soon . . .

Blackberry Smoke

I like this band, and they're playing this year.  Crack a cold one and fire it up !  Other good music this year includes: Shooter Jennings, The Reverend, Supersuckers, Cinderella, Firehouse, Trixter and Foghat !  All in the black hills . . . .

1958 XLR or XLCH

This appears to be a 1958 XLR (due to the fact the magneto is mounted up front) or maybe a '58 XLCH?
It really doesn't matter, but this is probably my favorite motorcycle I've seen in awhile.  If I could find this in a barn, this would be a bigger score (for me) than a '36 knuck.  The rear shocks are from a K model (with those tightly wound springs)  The Goodyear Grasshoppers look good.  XLR pipes.  No headlight or tail-light (which is correct for this year)  It's pretty damn straight. 

Classic Tank Photo

Diamond Tank, Honda 750, Ribbons, Stripes and Spiders, Airbrush, Yellow Wires, Chrome Rockers, Allens . . . On and On  . . .

Small town diners and bars are best . . .

K Model Photo Shoot

More in a cool mag soon . . .

Hang-Arounds

When you work in the garage, people stop by.  You've got your regular bike bros, dudes you know.  Then you have neighbors, small children (and the guy with the Suzuki Intruder that thinks just because he rides a motorcycle you have this in common and are instant buddies.)  I call these people "hang-arounds."  It's the young kid on his BMX bike that just digs motorcycles who will be influenced most.  His bicycle needs adjusted.  His chain keeps falling off.  His grips are loose.  His tire is flat.  You help him when you can - otherwise - beat it kid - can't you see I'm busy !   I'm sure I'll be in one of his stories someday about his youth.  The "old" guy with all the Harleys that would be nice to me - get me lemonade.  He gave some COC stickers . . . I still have a racing trophy he gave me. yada yada yada  . . .
I was just like him.