SM, Speed Merchant

This Sportster is very trick . . . and geared for quickness.

Dave Polgreen - Sturgis 2012

I consider Dave a way cool friend of mine who happens to build totally killer custom motorcycles.  I first saw this guy rummaging through parts piles (along with some cat with white shades) about 5 years ago at swap meets.  Who was this guy buying up all the stuff, before I could get to it?  Well, it was David Polgreen.  His latest Shovelhead Digger is about the neatest custom I've seen come along for some time now.  It's different.  It's unique (like all his builds).  AND, I'd like to think I had some kind of influence on him (when he saw my lil' Sporty digger) to push him over the edge - to build a machine such as this one.  Just so you know who I'm talking about - that's Dave pictured above with his signature crazy hair stickin' out all over . . . see him at Davenport for a big "Dave Hug" . . . Keep on choppin' DP - You just know he already has ideas for the next one.

Jeremiah Armenta - Sturgis 2012

Even though I've only met Jeremiah a couple times, he's left me with a lasting impression . . . as I envy his builds and insight.  At his shop (Love Cycles - Phoenix, AZ) he pumps out some of the coolest and totally functional retro Harley-Davidson choppers I've ever seen.  They all have the classic look, run classic power-plants . . . but, have a little twist of personality that he does so well.  I like how he keeps his family in the balance of his business.  Like he told me . . . "Hey, motorcycles can take over your life."   . . . and it's so true as he keeps everything in perspective - while kickin' out some of the raddest chops.  Can't wait to get back to his shop this fall and check out all the projects.
Last Photo: Roadside Marty interviews Jeremiah for a future airing on Biker TV

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 . . .