1. The Legend of the Motorcycle

A celebration of the art of the motorcycle.

Big Uwe's girl friend Tracy enjoyed the show and the ride down the coast.

Jared Zaugg, event organizer

Legendary marques, classic lines.

This is Burt Munro’s Indian, the actual machine around which the movie The World’s Fastest Indian was based.

Ness-talgia by Arlen Ness

With the legendary Jesse James. Photo by Sandra Bullock.

Jesse's wild custom bike, ready for take off.

Gold Digger by Jesse James.

The Crocker, the “world’s first superbike”

The legendary Britten.

From Obi-Wan Kenobi to The Long Way Round: at the Concours with Ewan McGregor.

Legendary stunt man and racer Bud Ekins judging the classics.

With Peter Fonda.

With the legendary Mert Lawwill

Greetings, Cruisers,

May 6, 2006: Several members of Cruiser Customizing including Big Uwe and Kyle, along with Kyle’s dad, rode their bikes over to Half Moon Bay to attend the Legend of the Motorcycle. I was there, too, along with over four thousands other riders. We hope that some of you also were in attendance.

I arrived early for the Legend of the Motorcycle, the much-anticipated two-wheel Concours d’Elegance. The show was expected to be a milestone event in the long and laudable history of motorcycling, and no attendee would be disappointed. There, shrouded in foggy mists overlooking the Great Pacific, stood some of moto-history’s extraordinary sentinels, milestone machines of the rarest breeds. From an 1895 Pennington and 1901 Quadracycle to the futuristic Jet Bike of Arlen Ness and the airplane-engine powered FTW of Jesse James; the show ran the gamut of more than a Century of Progress. Here was a Festivity of Motorcycle Masterpieces, each creation worth its weight in gold. The Monets of motorcycling stood alongside the Rembrandts of riding. It was the entire history of motorcycling on exhibit; landmark bikes built by men of vision for no other reason other than if it can be done, then it must be accomplished.

Not surprisingly, the custom rides of Jesse James and Arlen Ness seemed to draw the biggest crowds…

I respectfully greeted Arlen Ness as he strolled up to his Ness-talgia, the yellow ’57 Chevy Bel Air-styled custom that I once had the honor of riding alongside one fine afternoon a few years ago. Just then, Jesse James approached Arlen and his wife Bev with all the due respect that a younger artist holds for an elder. “This is Sandy,” he said casually. Arlen cordially smiled and took the hand of Jesse’s lovely wife Sandra Bullock. The show was sparkling with a constellation of moto-celebrities.

The journalist in me focused the Canon XT upon Sandra, and she stepped out of the eye of the lens. Without a hint of condescension, she explained, “We’re not here for that. I’m attending the event to be with my husband.” So I took a chance, “Since I can’t photograph you, will you kindly take a picture of me with your husband?” “Sure will,” she consented snapping the shot as Jesse smiled into the camera.

One of the bikes that Jesse showed was his powder blue and gold stretchbike Gold Digger, a sumptuous sixties-style custom that Jesse recently featured on his Discovery Channel special entitled “The History of the Chopper.” Choppermania is a recent phenomenon on the TV tube, yet Jesse’s own program with its emphasis upon the roots of the craft of bike customization combined with his lasting respect for past artists, made this historical documentary easily the best motorcycle program ever. In “History of the Chopper” Jesse James has emerged as a talented writer/producer, a man of multi-faceted talents who knows the technique of conveying reverence for those whose footsteps in the sands of time have imprinted their influence upon the emerging artists of the custom ride. The Gold Digger bike is built upon an old-school frame that Jesse and his long-time buddy Simo chanced upon in the back of a pick-up at the Ventura Swap Meet in 1991. That frame would prove to be nothing less than a gold strike for Jesse. For a decade and a half later, the modern legend celebrated his roots in bike fabrication as he built Gold Digger from the ground up before the TV cameras. The construction of Gold Digger for “History of the Chopper” takes us viewers along for a spirited ride of discovery through layers of lost decades like a Sierra prospector digging for gold.

I noticed Jesse spending several minutes absorbed in contemplation of the Britten race bike from New Zealand that rested alongside his own creations. I must have interrupted his thoughts as I began narrating to him what I know of this particular Britten, as follows:

Owned by Prof. Virgil Elings, a historic bike racer and past professor of Physics at the University of California, Santa Barbara, Elings years ago invented a microscope that sees atoms. When Elings told his University that he wanted to market his invention, the system tried to step in and appropriate his work. Like a proper biker, Prof. Elings advised the UC management that they could take their policies and shove them, whereupon he quit his job and started up his own company. Eventually, with profits from sales, Elings founded a motorcycle museum at Solvang, California; America’s “Danish Capital.” Prof. Elings’ 1000 cc V-twin Britten is the only one of the ten racers that late New Zealander John Britten built that has never been raced. I concluded my narration to Jesse with the words, “Eventually Prof. Elings sold his company for $100 million.”

“Was that $100 or $200 million?” The query came from behind me. As I turned around, I was surprised to find none other than Prof. Elings himself standing there, correcting me as though he was still standing before a class. Elings turned to Jesse and asked, “Say, I’ve got some Harley gas tanks, will you sign them for me?”

Right, Professor, $200 million was the correct amount, wasn’t it?

I turned to Sandra and mentioned that Jesse is in his element now that he has emerged as a talented writer/director, and she agreed with enthusiasm. Will Sandra Bullock’s creative touch also lend itself to future shows by Jesse James? We can only wait and see…and hope. I wanted to get in one last question, so I asked: “By the way, Sandra, do you ride?” I asked. “Sure do,” she replied, “I especially enjoy dirt biking!” Now we know what sets this jewel of the silver screen apart from other Hollywood glitterati. She's a rider just like you and me.

I spotted another young biker who seemed to stand out from the crowd, so I took a gamble and told him that he looked familiar. “I’m an actor,” he replied in the Scottish accent of a cultured gentleman. “And what might your name be?” I asked clumsily. “Ewan McGregor” he replied. I know that anyone under thirty-five could never forgive me for not recognizing the brilliant Star Wars star, who played Obi-Wan Kenobi. But for us riders, Ewan is better known for his book and seven-part video series Long Way Round: Chasing Shadows across the World, about his 20,000 mile circumambulation of the globe on a BMW GS along with his friend and fellow actor Charley Boorman (who also rode a GS). Ewan pointed to an old Indian twin and asked me why dual pipes emit from each of two cylinders. “Well,” I said hesitantly, “It’s like my India-built Jawa, which is a twin pipe single. It provides better exhaust.” (Readers can inform me if I was correct or just bluffing with a bad guess!) Within a few hours of my conversation with Ewan, I was to learn that both his book Long Way Round and mine, Motorcycle Yoga, had made the “Best Of…” moto-book list in Britain’s BIKE Magazine Guide to the World supplement for March of ’06.

As I strolled past more moto-masterpieces, renowned judges were busy evaluating the more than 250 classics on display. Legendary stunt rider and judge Bud Ekins was hard at work taking notes, though he has been in a wheel chair since last year, when in his mid-seventies at a race in Ireland he took a nasty spill. It was Bud who did that legendary jump for Steve McQueen in the movie The Great Escape, Hollywood’s first-ever thousand dollar stunt, and it was he who accompanied Steve to Europe to participate in the International Six Day Trials (ISDT) event. At Steve’s request, Bud also appeared in Bullitt as not only the bike rider who slid his bike down in front of a speeding car but also as the driver of the Mustang getting air atop the hills of San Francisco.

AMA Hall of Famer Bud Ekins scored gold four times at the ISDT, silvered once, and is the founder of the Baja 1000 off road race. Bud had told us at the press meeting earlier, “Back in the fifties and sixties you couldn’t meet the movie stars at Hollywood; they were down at my motorcycle shop.” Displayed here along the green lawn of the Ritz were several of Steve McQueen’s old bikes, as well as rides once owned by James Dean, Elvis, Roy Rogers and others.

Judge Oriol Puig Bulto, one of the founders of Bultaco Motorcycle Company, manufacturers of that once-great dirt and hill climbing bike of Spain, was busy examining serial numbers and restorations for accuracy. Then as Judge Peter Fonda strolled past a pristine white Mars motorcycle, a rare marque from Germany, I asked the Mars’ European owner if he had met the Easy Rider star. “Oh Peter Fonda, is he here?” the Mars owner, “Classic Bike Mike” Kron asked loudly and enthusiastically. “Yes,” I replied, “he’s standing right next to you!”

I recognized Hall of Fame luminary Mert Lawwill, a celebrated rider of quiet accomplishment and overpowering celebrity as he made his way through the sea of bikers. Mert is best known as the star of the all-time number one motorcycle film On Any Sunday, and was the AMA Grand National Champion in 1969. Today Mert is famous for his beautifully crafted Harley XR-type street trackers, which he hand builds in Northern California. But Mert asked me to mention to the members of Cruiser Customizing that he is currently designing and manufacturing prosthetic limbs to help disabled motorcyclists get back into the saddle again. Learn more about Mert’s compassionate work by visiting www.mertlawwill.com.

As the day came to a close, I found myself sitting with the wife, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren of Al Crocker, whose Los Angeles-built Crocker motorcycle has been dubbed “the world first superbike.” It was no surprise that each family member of the Crocker clan cherishes the memory of their illustrious and ingenious patriarch. Deservingly, the Crocker Motorcycle was the star of the show, and in fact, a 1940 Crocker won the Best of Show award. I am sure that all members of Cruiser Customizing share my pride in being part of motorcycling, rich with history and development. I know all members of Cruiser Customizing are proud to be riders at a time when the contributions of so many individuals have contributed to us finding our own Shared Passion and Individual Style.

Like the bikes themselves, the organizers, Brooke Roner and her husband Jared Zaugg built the Legend of the Motorcycle from a dream. Their vision and dedication deserve kudos from all riders in all quarters, as well as for their superb handling of the details. The event, featuring Vincent, Excelsior and Henderson, will be held again next year. By all means, Cruisers, mark your calendar for the first Saturday in May, 2007!

rate this story

2. Well Worth the Wait

Cruising Rocker Keith Drury has kept his love for riding alive since the days of Quadraphenia. Now back in the saddle despite a serious knee injury, Keith is the East Yorkshire rep for the National Association for Bikers with Disabilities.

Mellow in yellow: the Intruder is a formidable machine, and with Keith’s mods it turns heads.

Now a word from Cruiser Customizing member Keith Drury (keith52), a Brit rocker who began riding back in the days of the Ace Café and Brighton Beach. From across the puddle, Keith writes:

“Well, it’s been a long rime since I’ve been in the saddle and, Boy, does it feel good to be alive!” Keith injured his leg in ’75, eventually having his leg fused at the knee. It made riding difficult, nearly impossible, but where there’s a will there’s a way, and Keith is a man of will. Keith couldn’t shake his love for riding, so a few years ago, Keith found himself haunting the bike shops once again, and a Suzuki Intruder became the pride of his life. Keith joined NABD, England’s National Association for Bikers with Disabilities, which helped him find a suitable thumb brake. Keith says, “I’m now an East Yorkshire representative for NABD and spreading the word!” Cruise on, Keith! We salute your bravery and that of your fellow NABD riders of Great Britain.

rate this story

3. Military Service Comes with a Pricetag

Back in the saddle: Julio’s customized Volusia puts a wall to wall grin on his face.

And the beat goes on: for Julio customization is the eternal pursuit of individualization. “Shared passion. Individual style.”

Air Force ex-serviceman and Cruiser Customizing member Julio Maldonado (tomcat837) notes that official transfer papers usually mean leaving your cruiser behind, a real heartbreak for riders in the armed forces. Keith writes:

“I got into motorcycles about sixteen years ago. Still in the Air Force, the urge struck when I snagged a Honda GS550 Silver Wing on consignment at a South Florida dealer. I had to part with the Honda as my family grew, but the itch to ride remained strong. A few years later I spotted a Suzuki GS850L in the paper. The owner owed the IRS big time and needed a quick sale, so his loss was my gain. Now I was in the saddle of a bigger and more powerful machine and loving it. But military service comes with a price tag; I was sent to Venezuela (and later Korea). Heartbroken, I had to leave my Suzuki behind.

“I separated from the Air Force in 2000, and found my niche working in South Texas in Information Technology. Five years later, there I was looking around for a bike once again. Since I had parted with my last ‘horse’ a baffling array of models had hit the market. Many things had changed, but one thing was certain: I had to have a cruiser. One day while out driving, a beautiful bike with a ‘For Sale’ sign caught my eye. I almost caused an accident when I U-turned to look it over. I’m a fan of metric cruisers and was thrilled to find this Suzuki Volusia Ltd. had only 2400 miles on the clock. It took a few weeks, but when I finally took the Vol out for a test ride, I fell in love with riding all over again.

“Now I have started personalizing my Volusia to reflect who I am. Like my Baron drag bars and grips which I purchased through Cruiser Customizing. Whenever I have the urge for accessories, I go to Cruiser Customizing first because of the wide variety of items, it is easy to browse and the prices are without comparison. There will always be something else to customize, but it’s all good. For me, there’s nothing like the feeling of freedom and individuality when riding my chrome horse down the open road.”

send us your ideas

4. CruiserCustomizing on the Road, Open House 6/17/06

Meet CruiserCustomizing on the Road.

Meet CruiserCustomizing on the road at these fine biker rallies:

Bike Week - Myrtle Beach, SC - 5/12 thru 5/21

Americade - Lake George, NY - 6/6 thru 6/10

Honda Hoot - Knoxville, TN - 6/21 thru 6/24

Wing Ding - Nashville, TN - 7/3 - 7/6

GoldRush - Hot Springs, AR - 7/17 - 7/20

Las Vegas bike Fest - Las Vegas, NV - 9/14 - 9/17

Street Vibrations - Reno, NV - 9/20 - 9/24

Please email us at feedback@CruiserCustomizing.com if you would like to help us at any of the rallies.

California Bay Area bikers, save the date for Cruiser Customizing's annual Open House, Saturday, June 17th.

5. Backfire: Memorial Ride - Remembering 9/11

Ed's Vulcan 1500 Classic.

Red Horse Chopper

Ed (right) with some fellow riders after the last 911 Memorial Ride.

Miles...I've got to tell you it was great hearing back from you in such a timely fashion...you've obviously been involved in Motorcycles longer than I and have been involved with some notable individuals in the Bike venue. I work for two brothers, John and Ted Paulsen, who've turned their passion for Bikes into a livelyhood. They opened their second Dealership in Flemington, NJ (where I'm empolyed) in Feb '05 and gave a recoverying 61 year old Heart Surgery patient a shot as a parts man in June '05; I've enjoyed every second I've been with them since. Several months ago they asked me to work in Sales....I love the daily interaction with the customers and the lookers alike. This month I turned 62 ...you've gotta love these guys. As I said in my first email, we also sell Red Horse Choppers. I've attached pics of my '04 Kawasaki 1500 Classic (with many accessories from Cruiser Customizing), one of the Red Horse Choppers and myself with some pals from the 911 Memorial Ride (that's me on the right).

www.northeast911memorialride.org

Check it out....we ride to each of the 9/11 crash sites in late August.

I've got to tell you I really enjoy the Cruiser Customizing web site (great bargins) and your newsletter....keep up the great work.

Ed Reilly (edreilly)

Cruiser Jeff Morrill (papacruiser) sent this picture (above) of his granddaughter on her father’s 750 Shadow ACE. This picture was snapped on September 11, 2005 at a gathering in honor of those who gave their lives in the World Trade Center disaster.

send us your stories