Mike Destefano - Franny's Last Ride

Dan's iPOD is full of podcasts. We listen to a lot of them when we are driving. Today we were driving to my parent's place up North and he started playing podcasts from a site called The Moth. This story is so moving that I had to share it with all of you. Hopefully one of the links below will work for you. Make sure you have some Kleenex too because if you are anything like me you will be deeply moved.

http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/themothpodcast/~3/CabTJi5LxLY/moth-podcast-mike-destefano.mp3

or

http://huffduffer.com/norelpref/2757

Let's Get "Chicken Fried" with the Zac Brown Band

Wow...is this song All American or What? Love, Love, Love it!!!


Give me a Yeeeeeeeee Haw!!!!

Chipp's Harley Davidson - Osceola, Iowa

Last weekend Dan and I were itching to get out of town so we pointed the cage south and ended up in Osceola, IA. The first place we stopped was the Harley Dealership, of course...DUH! This is about the 3rd time I've been to Chipp's Harley Davidson Shop and I really like the place. They have a friendly staff and a nice shop. Jim Anderson is one friendly sales guy. He is great to chat with and I've always felt that he treats me with respect each time I've been in his department. In my conversation with Jim, I found out that Chipp's is part of C & C Cycles in Chariton, IA and C & C also owns Fat Baggers Inc.

I'd like to thank Jim at Chipp's for another enjoyable experience at Chipp's HD Shop. It truly pays to have good customer service and to not dismiss someone just because they aren't ready to buy at that moment. There is a reason I continue to visit Chipp's HD Shop in Osceola and I'm sure you all know what I'm talking about...I feel a sense of RESPECT!

If you are ever motoring down I - 35 and see the sign for Osceola you have to stop at Chipp's. Chipp's Harley-Davidson Shop is located at the intersection of Interstate 35 and State Highway 34.

Visit the C & C Cycles site: http://www.cc-cycle.com/default.asp
Visit the Fat Bagger, Inc site: http://www.fatbaggers.com/

Fabulous Blog Award

This award was presented to me by Ann @ http://annnelson.blogspot.com . I am honored to accept it! Thank you, Ann , for this Fabulous Blog Award!

Here are the rules to receiving this award:
1. You must pass it on to 5 other Fabulous bloggers in a post.
2. You must list 5 of your Fabulous addictions in the post.
3. You must copy and paste the rules and instructions below in the post.

Instructions:
In your post receiving this award, make sure you include the person that gave you the award and link it back to them.

Here are my addictions:
1. Motorcycles
2. Riding
3. Skulls
4. Old Dirty Bikers
5. The Internet

Here are the 5 blogs that I think are Fabulous:

http://asimplegirlincali.blogspot.com/ (One Big Harley Family)

http://eternalbiker.blogspot.com/ (Musings of a Contemplative Biker)

http://keeptherubbersidedown.net/ (Keep the Rubber Side Down)

http://realrick.blogspot.com/ (Revolutionary Revelations and Reactions )

http://www.bikerchicknews.com/ (Biker Chick News)

I actually love everyone's blog! You all ROCK!!!

Bean're - The Mayor of FUN!

The first time I saw a photo of Bean're I was like...What a cool looking Biker! Last summer I saw Bean're at the Broken Spoke during Sturgis Bike Week. He definitely stands out from all the rest and I decided to get in touch with him and see if he'd answer a few questions for my blog. I love meeting and learning about interesting people. Hands down, Bean're is one interesting and cool person! He joined the Marine Corp in 1981 to help pay for a new Harley. With each year that passes Bean're finds himself riding more and more. He does have a home in the mountians of Tennessee but he finds himself on the road most of the year. He loves meeting people in places he's never been.

How long have you been riding and what was your first motorcycle?My first motorcycle was actually a mini bike. It had chopper forks and a sissy bar with a Brigs and Stratton 3 1/2 horse power motor. I loved riding it (I was in my pre teen years) but I still remember when the cute girl up the street from me got on the back and we roared down the alley. Their is no feeling like that. In 1981 I just turned 18 and was already in the Marine Corp, when not being able to afford a Harley, I bought a 1972 CB500 Honda with a custom painted tank that said "Cherry Bomb".

How many different motorcycles have you had over the years?
I have owned probably about 15 bikes in my time. I owned 5 before I finally got my first truck. I have only owned one running car which was a Granada that I had while I lived in the Virgin Islands.

What do you ride now?
My current ride is a 1997 police Road King which I chopped out with a 10 inch over stock front end and cut the frame out to drop the seat. It has a bass boat purple flake paint job.


What is the wildest thing that has happened to you out on the road?
I have had many wild adventures. Some I can't print and others I would never repeat but it’s been a great ride. My current bike has over 200,000 miles. I usually have some sort of adventure from mild to wild on every ride.

You have been given the title "The Mayor of Fun." How did you get this title?
Easyriders photographer and good friend Michael Lichter asked an old girl friend of mine how she had been. She said she was having the time of her life. He said “Of course you are. You are with Bean're! He is the Mayor of fun!" It stuck.


You seem to live the gypsy life...what is it like?
Gypsy life is a blessing and a curse. I love going where I want and doing what I want and not getting caught up in everyday drama. When I miss holidays because I am on the road or I can't have a relationship because I travel so I wonder if I will be alone all my life. It can be a little depressing to say the least.

What other things do you enjoy doing when you are not riding or attending rallies/bike events?
My other hobby is snowboarding. I will be going to Colorado in a couple days for 8 days, staying with a friend who works in Vail and can get me big discounted tickets.

You've traveled to and ridden motorcycles in many different countries. What have those experiences been like?
I have been to Europe twice and Australia with my bike. I was in Morocco (Africa) on 9/11. I always love meeting new people whether it is some small town in the Midwest of some big city in another country, these are my most valuable possessions and I can never lose them or have them taken away.

Do you have a favorite rally or motorcycle event?
Sturgis is probably my favorite although there are many that are great both big and small.


Your Top Hat and Zoot Suits I'm sure get you a lot of attention. I recognized you right away last year at Sturgis because you don't blend in. Have you always dressed with such flair and when did you start?
To me being a biker is about expression and individuality. The hat I loved and it fit me perfect when I got it 20 years ago. The suits were a joke and they just kept getting wilder and wilder. I like attention- lol. I always tried to stand out even in the Marine Corp. I hate blending in!


What is the most important lesson you've learned out on the road?
I am not sure about my most important lesson but I have had my drunken wrecks and I guess drinking and drugs don't work for me on motorcycle. That’s why I chose bikes and left drugs and alcohol behind 20 years ago.

How does riding enrich your life?
When I ride it is like I am meditating. No mater if it’s around the block or across the country. It clears my head and I can focus.

Are there any mottos that you live by?
Semper Fidelis (always faithful) is one I try to live by.
What goes around comes around - which means to me it's all about Karma and I don't have to enforce it. It will take care of itself. Live to ride and ride to live because motorcycles should not be put on a trailer. There are probably others but those come to mind first.

Do you have any mentors or people you look up to and if so who are they and why?
Brother Speed is my mentor. I met him in 85 or 86. He is a true legend. He has more history then anyone I know. He helped me rebuild my first Harley and in the 6 months it took he also taught me the ropes of being a gypsy.

What has been your greatest accomplishment or are there many?
My biggest accomplishment is being clean and sober for 20 years. Without that, none of my other accomplishments would even be possible.

Any big plans in 2009?
2009 will be a year of self discovery for me. It has already begun and I am embracing it and moving to the next level.

Are you still writing your book? If so when will it be published and available to purchase?
Hopefully I will get some work done on my book this year. I am doing many things for myself and that fits right in there. I don't have a publisher but I am not worried. I have some options.


Favorite swear word?
I don't think I have a favorite swear word; I use them all from time to time.

What music are you currently listening to?
I have been listening to some old T bone Walker Blues.

What are you currently reading?
The current book I am reading is the NA basic text.

I'd like to thank Bean're for doing this interview! It was great learning some more about this totally cool Biker.

Check out Bean're on his myspace page - www.myspace.com/beanre1

Biker Humor

A little 80 year old lady had always wanted to join a local bikers club. One day she goes up and knocks on a biker's door. A big, hairy, bearded biker with tattoos all over his arms answers. She proclaims, "I want to join your club."

The guy was quite amused, but says she needs to meet certain biker requirements in order to join he explains. The biker asks; "Do you have a motorcycle?"

The little old lady replies, "Yep, my bike's parked over there" and points to a flamed black Harley chopper in the driveway.
The biker asks, "Do you drink?"
The little old lady replies, "Yep, drink like a fish. I'll drink everyone in your club under the table."

The biker asks, "Do you smoke?"
The little old lady replies, "Yep, smoke like a chimney. At least 2 packs of cigarettes and three joints a day and a couple more in the evening, while I'm shooting pool."

The biker is very impressed and asks, "Last question, have you ever been picked up by the fuzz?"

The little old lady thinks for a minute and says, "Nope, but I've been swung around by my nipples a few times.

Capital City Custom Cycle Show

Last weekend was the annual Capital City Custom Cycle Show. Thank you Tim, Margo, and Sydney for accompanying me to the show and for paying the $8 a piece to get in. You can tell by the line of motorcycles in the photo below that a little melting snow and sandy roads weren't going to keep the hardy Iowa Bikers from riding their scoots on this 50 degree day!

I could smell the leather as I entered the 4-H building at the Iowa State Fair Grounds. And there were Bikers everywhere I looked! You know I was in heaven. I took a few photos of the show. As I looked at the pictures, I kind of noticed a theme of the bikes that I'm drawn to. I was excited because I ran into the guys from Twisted Choppers. They came down from Sioux Falls, SD to show their choppers in the show again this year. I did a story on them after last years show and I was impressed that they actually remembered who I was. We chatted for a few minutes and then I was on my way to take some photos. Hope you enjoy the bikes that I was drawn to. I'm kind of a peanut tank, bobber lover. LOL

Had to give a little nod to the Victory Motorcycles since they are built in Spirit Lake, IA. 2009 is Victory's 10 Year Anniversary.

I know it's hard to tell but that is Big Swag(on the right) from the Speed Channel show Pass Time.

Love the Vintage Cycles...


Do you notice a theme?




Check out the rake on this Iowa Hawkeye themed Choppa! Holy lotta control you'd need to have to handle that bad boy.


A cool looking motorcycle with custom paint by Custom Paint Specialists of Des Moines, IA.


Love this little Indian! I think they may have just put an Indian sticker on this little bike but it's still cute. Does anyone know, did Indian make a little mini bike back in the day?

Check out this Cowboy inspired motorcycle. What got my attention was the saddle seat. Ride 'em Chrome Cowboy! Yee Haw!


It was hard to drag me away but Tim, Margo, and Sydney finally got me to leave the 4-H building with all the leather, bikes, and Old Dirty Bikers. As we made our way back the Suburban my thoughts wandered to another year of riding and how I can't freaking wait for Spring!

IHG xo

Go check out Garage-Girls.com and tell me what you see??!!!!

Ok so I'm Toot, Toot, Tooting my own horn...HONK! HONK! TOOT! TOOT!

Sara Liberte was so happy with the interview and story that I posted about her that she has posted one of my stories on the Garage-Girls site!

http://www.garage-girls.com/blog/machine/index.php

Thank you, Sara!!! This truly means so much to me!

From My Harley Desk Calendar...

Every day when I arrive at work I tear off a page from my HD desk calendar. On February 3rd the quote that I read really struck me.

Faith is the daring of the soul to go farther than it can see. - William Newton Clarke

Shuttin Detroit Down - John Rich

On my way to work this morning I was cruising through the radio stations on my car radio(an American Made Car) and I got to one that is a local country station. They were talking to John Rich from Big and Rich and they played his new song, Shuttin Detroit Down. I got tears in my eyes because it's totally how I feel. This song is so completely AWESOME! Thank you John Rich for writing a song that totally reflects what I think about what's going on with our United States. We will eventually get out of this whole mess. I don't know when but we will. Keep the Faith everyone! Keep the Faith!

Photographer, Author, Artist, Garage Girl - An Interview with Sara Liberte

Sara Liberte graduated from Montserrat College of Art in 1997. Since then Sara has been a professional photographer. Motorcycle and portrait photography have been her passion. You may have seen her photos in Easy Rider, In the Wind, Hot Bike, Street Chopper and Iron Works. Her fine art photography work focuses on “Image Fusion”, a technique she uses to combine images. You can see this technique in her “Women and Machine” and “Builder and Machine” photos. And I’m sure you have seen the GEICO Motorcycle Insurance Ads that she created in 2007 for their print campaign. Sara is also staff photography editor for The Cycle Source Magazine.

Sara's passion for motorcycles lead her to becoming co-owner and operator of RT’s North Hills Cycle Inc. in Pittsburgh, PA. She designs custom paint jobs and builds custom cycles. When she's not wrenching on motorcycles she is managing the parts and services department at RT’s.

Sara has been part of the motorcycle industry for over a decade and has been recognized as one of the leading motorcycle designers and photographers at the Sturgis Rally. House of Kolor named RT’s North Hills Cycle as the prestigious painter of 2007. This award is the most elite award in the custom automotive/motorcycle paint industry.

If you haven’t already you should check out “How to Repair and Maintain American V-Twin Motorcycles”. Sara penned this book to help motorcycle enthusiasts who want to be able to service their rides but lack only the know-how. You may also recognize the name Sara Liberte from her “Garage Girls” seminars and website that she created with friend and fellow builder, Jody Perewitz.

Sara took some time to answer a few questions for me recently on her life and career in the motorcycle industry.

When were you first introduced to the motorcycle lifestyle?
Early in my life I started out on 3 wheelers, back then they were considered safer then motorcycles.

Did you always know growing up that you wanted a career in the motorcycle industry or did you have other passions first?
No, I never set out with any goals, just took life day by day. I knew I loved art and would end up doing something with art.

What has been your greatest accomplishment or are there many?
Tough question, I’m proud of many things. Mostly the friendships I have made over the years and my relationship with my family.

When did you decide to start “Garage Girls”?
I decided I needed to do more to reach other women interested in the garage lifestyle after I wrote “How to Repair and Maintain American V-Twins Motorcycles”. So many girls were approaching me and wanting to know more about the mechanical aspect of motorcycles. I decided a website would be the best way to rally us all together.

Could you tell me about the site and what people can find there?
The site focuses on maintaining a balance between our body and our machine. The motorcycle becomes an extension of our body so we need to take care of them both. We offer info about motorcycles and info on maintaining a healthy lifestyle. We also have a section dedicated to animals. “Cruisin’ Companions” celebrates the 4 legged friends of our lives. We do product reviews and offer technical info. We share info on trying to stay healthy with health and beauty info, exercise and nutrition…you name it.

Do you have any mentors or people that you look up to?
Of course! My parents have taught me so many valuable lessons that I’m so grateful for. There have also been a few teachers, Christine O’Brien and Linda White, they both taught me lessons I use daily in my world of art and motorcycles. I have many friends I am grateful for as well.

I noticed you have a tribute to Johnny Chop on your website. Could you tell me how he touched your life?
Johnny was one of the guys I would look forward to seeing at the events year after year. I enjoyed our conversations about motorcycles and the struggles of being in business for yourself. We connected especially about the struggles. He had a generous ear and usually words of inspiration at the end of our conversations. I miss Johnny. Rallies just aren’t the same without him.

Have you found it difficult to get people to take you seriously in such a male dominated profession?
Yes… I could go on and on about the struggles but no one likes to hear you bitch…

What is your advice for girls and women interested in careers in the motorcycle industry?
Be involved because it is your passion. The only way you can be happy in such a tough industry is because you truly love this stuff. You eat, sleep, and breathe it! You can’t imagine yourself doing anything else. That is pretty much the only way you’ll survive this world!

Your photographs are beyond words, beautiful. Do you have any favorites?
I have so many favorites because they all take me back to the moment I created them. Whether it was a conversation with someone, or a shot as I was riding in a beautiful landscape or a moment I was alone with an incredible machine.

How did you decide on the concept for your “Women and Machines” and "Builder and Machines” photos?
Women and Machine was born in my head as I was heavily focused on the idea that the machine/motorcycle becomes an extension of your body. You control this machine, it becomes a part of you. “Builder and Machine” is my series that focuses on Craftsmen. Craftsmen are the rare breed, the dying breed. The craftsmen are the guys who can pretty much do anything like metal fabrication, drawing, engineering, machining, wrenching, and fixing broken parts, painting, bodywork, along with mechanical knowledge, etc. I set out to explore the true craftsmen in the motorcycle and automotive culture. Using my Image Fusion technique my goal is to create a portrait of each craftsmen combining a piece of who they are via their unique work. I was also studying certain quotes at the time, this one was a big inspiration for this project, “One Machine can do the work of fifty ordinary men. No Machine can do the work of one extraordinary man.”-Elbert Hubbard.

Do you sell your prints and if so how does one go about ordering them?
http://www.saraliberte.com/ The "Woman and Machine" series is limited to an edition of 150 prints of each image on photographic silver gelatin emulsion paper. All prints are available in 2 sizes of 16x20” or 20x30”. “Woman and Machine” was featured at the Belknap Mill Gallery in Laconia, NH for bike week 2005, as well in the Laconia Television show “Riding with Rossi” which aired on the Travel Channel. This series was also featured on “Corbin’s Ride On” and American Thunder, Speed Channel and also on the Documentary DVD titled “Invasion of the motorcycles, Laconia”. "Builder and Machine" is available as a fine art poster print.

What cameras do you use to shoot your amazing photos?
I am a Nikon fan, I love their glass.

Along with being an amazing photographer, you also wrote a book. Could you tell me about it?
The book is a comprehensive guide to servicing a motorcycle, with useful information for those who have the will to service their rides but lack only the know-how. Part of owning a motorcycle is the pleasure of servicing and repairing it on your own. A motorcycle is a symbol of independence, and whether you're wrenching in the garage or making an emergency repair on the side of the road, doing it yourself is part of that independence. By doing much of the service work yourself, you'll save money and time, and you'll have the gratification of knowing what went into your ride.


Do you have any big projects in the works for the future?
Lots of exciting things for http://www.garage-girls.com/ . I'm hoping to shoot more work for Cycle Source Magazine and develop our garage-girls column more in the magazine. I have some new images I'll be releasing as well.

What is your favorite rally or do you have more then one favorite?
Sturgis

Where is the best place in the country to ride?
White Mountains New Hampshire.

Do you have any upcoming events that you will be at and if so where?
Lots of events going on! Carlisle Summer Bike Fest is one I'm looking forward to most.

Do you have any motto's that you live by?
My mom shared this with me, "the only thing achieved in life without effort is failure."

What are your other passions beyond motorcycles and photography? Animals, they are god’s creatures and deserve to be treated with respect and love. They have little souls and feelings. Too many people neglect that fact.


If you would like to learn even more about Sara Liberte you can visit her websites.
http://www.saraliberte.com/
http://www.garage-girls.com/
http://www.northhillscycle.com/
I'd like to thank Sara for taking the time out of her busy schedule to do this interview with me! Art and Motorcycles...what a gig she has!

Jamey Johnson - This Guy Has Got to Be an ODB!

I love this guy's music and he is an amazing storyteller with his songs. I'm hoping someone books him during the Sturgis Rally!

Happy New Year! Check out Robbie Knievel & Robbie Maddison

Happy New Year to Everyone out there in bloggerland! Wishing you the best year you've ever had!

So last night I was watching Robbie Knievel jump the volcano at the Mirage...on TV of course. And it just didn't seem to me like he really jumped it so I found it on youtube today and had to post it to see what everyone else thinks. To me it looks like they set up some pyrotechnics and he jumped them.

Anyway...doesn't really matter but I had to share anyway.

For all of you SOA junkies...I was searching for a show that I wanted to record on the DVR and ran across that FX is showing Son's of Anarchy reruns!!!! I know...sick! lol

Some info from the folks at HD:

Ride Free is a guarantee on the trade-in value of H-D Sportsters. Between December 26th and March 31st, current owners of an ’07, ’08, or ’09 Sportster 883 or 1200 can trade-in for any of the bikes in the Big Twin family and receive full MSRP on their original bike. Similarly, new owners purchasing a Sportster in the same timeframe will have an opportunity to trade-in for full MSRP at any point within a year’s time. Essentially, participating customers will have a year to “ride free.”

All of the details about Ride Free are available on http://www.h-d.com/ridefree.

Ok...this blows away the Robbie Knievel jump. Holy Cow! Check out Robbie Maddison!


Have a great day today!
xo IHG

Merry Christmas to You from IHG!

I hope you all have a very Merry Christmas!

All I want for Christmas is SPRING!(oh and a motorcycle but i've already asked for that like a zillion times!)

From the Eyes of a Passenger...

Being a passenger on a motorcycle has brought incredible joy and satisfaction to my life. If you ask anyone that knows me they will tell you I'm motorcycle obsessed. Guess what?? I'm proud of it!

The motorcycle experience began for me in high school. My girlfriends and I would ask guys for motorcycle rides. I remember my first ride was on a sport bike and I could have cared less that it was raining. Then there was senior prom. My date owned a Kawasaki and we took it cruising in our prom wear. We must have looked like two crazy kids.

I took a hiatus from the motorcycle life during my twenties and early thirties but that freedom and joy that I felt from riding stuck with me all those years. One day out of the blue I talked my husband into renting a Harley. We had it for the weekend and the feelings of complete freedom came rushing back. The next step was purchasing our own bike. I'll never forget the thrill of ringing that freedom bell and knowing wonderful adventures were ahead of us.


Riding for me is a passion. It is always an adventure. Being on two wheels with nothing around you to protect you. Rubbing shoulders with the elements is the greatest rush I've ever felt. I've experienced things I will never experience in a car. I am sheltered in a car even if I roll down all of the windows. I will never experience what is going on outside in the same way as I do on a motorcycle. I am in the thick of it, feeling everything going on around me. Smelling every smell, seeing all the sights, and hearing every noise out there. It is a spiritual experience.

I've had two of the most amazing experiences of my life as a passenger. Both in South Dakota during trips to Sturgis Bike Week. The first was in 2004. Kristen, Big Don, Marsha and me were on our way to Winner, South Dakota for the night. It was dusk and a storm was brewing ahead of us. It began to rain and the wind picked up. South Dakota can be windy. I was watching the sky and I couldn't believe what mother nature was sharing with me. On one side was a beautiful rainbow, straight ahead were wicked bolts of lightening, and on the other side was the most beautiful pink sky I've ever seen. I was right out there in the middle of it. To this day that memory still gives me chill bumps.

Another memorable experience happened on our way to Sturgis this year. We left Mitchell, South Dakota in a misty rain. We were motoring along and could see this dangerous looking cloud ahead of us. The closer we road toward it the larger it became and before we knew what was happening we were riding through this wall cloud. Living in Iowa, I honestly have to say, I have never seen anything like it. I held onto Dan tighter then I ever have before because I felt at times like we might blow over or I might blow off the back. It was such a rush. I kept thinking to myself how incredibly fortunate I was to experience that. That is the point of two wheels, it's all about having the amazing adventures.

I've logged many miles as a passenger and with every ride is a new memory made. Some of the best have been early morning rides out in the country. No traffic, just my husband Dan and me on our beautiful iron horse moving across the countryside. No words being said between us, just quiet time. Time to let all the stresses leave our heads and all the freedom of the open road. Miles of farmland surrounding us. Another beautiful time to ride are those last winter days when we can't take it anymore and the roads seem OK. We bundle up and ride out with snow still on the ground and the non riders of the world starring at us like we are nuts. I know they are correct, I am nuts about the feeling that is forever in my soul.



Being part of the motorcycle lifestyle has made my life richer with the experiences I've been fortunate enough to have and because of the many people I've met along the way.

There is a saying, "If I have to explain you just won't understand." Mere words can't explain the feeling. It is like describing the color blue to a sightless person, until it has been experienced it is virtually impossible to describe.

In March of 2006 I got my motorcycle license. I have yet to own my own scoot but I know someday it will happen. Until then I look forward to many more adventures with Dan on our beautiful Street Glide.


Happy riding! And to those of us that have to wait until the spring, Happy Riding Memories!

IHG XO

An Interview with John Dodson, Owner of Gangster Choppers

While I totally love Harley Davidson I'm a big fan of custom choppers. One day I was surfing MySpace and found John Dodson owner of Gangster Choppers. I totally loved his bikes and contacted him about an interview. John was nice enough to say yes.



So John...Give me a bio about yourself...
I was born in '74, born and raised in Richmond, Virginia. Both my Mom and Dad were into cars and influenced me and greatly cultivated my passion for old bikes and cars. I have pictures of me propped up by my toy box with drag racing stickers all over it before I could walk. My Mom would pay for my magazine subscriptions while I was in middle school, some of those early mags are still in a closet somewhere.

When were you first aware of your interest in motorcycles?
For some reason (?) Dad bought me a mini bike from JC Pennys when I was 5 yrs old. I wore the old skool helmet with the goggles! There were little ads in the back of Hot Rod Magazine back then for stickers! Yes stickers. They had every design that you could think of, Iron Crosses, Skulls, Girls, Flames and all of the traditional STP, PENNZOIL, SkyJacker shocks etc... So, one evening my Dad ordered a few and we stuck them on the mini bike! A custom was born? By the way just like a bunch of broke bikers...we kept the mini bike in the "mud room".

What was the first bike that you owned?
1ST -JC Pennys mini bike
2ND - '82 HONDA XR80
then they all ran together, one dirt bike after another till the first Harley Davidson when I was a young 17.


How did you decide on the name Gangster Choppers?
Truthful, I have family that was part of a famous NYC crew. I remember stories as a kid and back then it was only the Godfather for a mob movie. Now they're hundreds of gangster flicks. But, back then it was my Uncle Sal, his stories and the movie Godfather.

Where do you get your inspiration?
I know that tons of guys and gals say "oh, I just love bikes!!" Well that's true for me too but, I need something more. I want an outlet to display my metal fabrication skills. If I am to fulfill the desire to machine functional art, a motorcycle offers the perfect platform. Cars are great too, but you can cover a bunch of junk up with a car, you can close the hood, choose not to open the trunk, put upholstery over sloppy floor pans or hide sloppy wiring behind a dashboard. Not a bike. Everything is seen. Since I choose not to have any "frills" pieces to just sit there and look pretty, all my art needs to be functional. So ordinary items like foot controls, fuel valves, exhaust pipes, key switches, motor mounts take on an art form.


Who are your idols?
I don't have idols, that may be something best left for 10 year olds. I am old enough to know that everybody past and present (except for Jesus Christ) all where humans and we all make mistakes. So RESPECT is the word for me. Finding someone to respect is tough, you all should evaluate this theory. I respect my Grandparents, keeping a marriage together for 59 years. My Dad for working and supporting the family blue collar style for 36 yrs and counting.

Do you have a favorite build?
My favorite build is always the recent one I am building and machining parts for, beating the fenders out stuff like that. You must realize that in order to keep these award winning bikes churning out - I have to be 110% into each one.

Do you manufacture your own motorcycle parts?
Yes, Gangster Choppers manufactures and distributes parts to customers daily.

How many bike shows have you been in and what awards have you won?
There are only a select few Motorcycle Shows I will enter my creations into. Most shows are too small to really provide an honest level of competition, so as a professional builder I want the amature and spectators to enjoy themselves. I provide my bikes at those shows for display only.

What motorcycle magazines have you been featured in?
All the good ones! haha. No really, most all the American mags, bunch of regional publications, and about a half a dozen international magazines.




What has been your most rewarding and memorable moment since you began in the motorcycle industry?
I like working in the shop, seeing the bike come together. I love riding the bikes, bikes most people would feel uncomfortable sitting on. I like it when little boys and girls stare at the bikes. If the kids think its cool then it is for real. I would have to question my style if ordinary 55 year old men were all into my bikes.

What is your favorite rally?
like Sturgis the best and kicking off the year in Daytona is cool too.

How many people work for you and who are they?
Bunch of idiots that try and provoke me into anger fits daily. No, no, I am easy going but I am really detail oriented. My Dad, Ken Dodson does machine work with me. Larry Mann performs all the wiring tasks. Robert service tech. Brian direct helper to John Dodson. Patrick fabricator. Chris welder with 20 yr experience. Ralph machinist with 14 yr experience. Norman an old style craftsman who knows everything about forging steel, heat treating, brazing, silver solder, and tons of other boring stuff it takes 40 yrs to acquire knowledge of.

Where are you located?
Richmond, Virginia is home to The Gangster Choppers Global Headquarters

What is the average price of one of your choppers?
Show winner built from scratch ready to "wooh" the crowds are $55,000. Very nice bikes can be had for much less though.

Do you have Support Gear that people can buy?
Gangster Choppers is a world recognized logo and is trademark protected. Tee shirts, Shop shirts, Caps, pens, posters, Ladies tops, panties, just about anything can be had with the Gangster Choppers logo.



Where is the best place in the United States to ride?
I personally enjoy riding along the Appalachian Mountains. I love the scenery. I also enjoy riding to OBX North Carolina. Entering into any ocean town and having the salt water smell hit you is 'bout as good as it gets.

What advice would you give to someone looking to get into the chopper/motorcycle industry?
Rule #1 If you cannot build a bike better than the top 10 builders in the world stay away from it, there are enough idiots in the industry that doesn't belong and its ruining it daily for the good ones. You will not succeed.

If you actually have spare time what do you do to fill it?
In my spare time I like to ride and also go to car shows / cruise ins.

If you could do any other profession what would it be or is the motorcycle/chopper lifestyle the best gig ever?
love what I do, but if it wasn't the bike industry I would have to be involved in something that run off of gasoline and burns oil, so I would do something with old cars.


What is your latest project?
Your readers will really love this one. A 1987 Harley Davidson FXR. It caught my attention and I involved myself knee deep and it turned out way cool.

Favorite swear word?
When a bike upsets me its a Whore. When a person upsets me they're a Cocksucker.

What music are you listening to?
Shooter Jennings, Metallic, Old & In The Way

Check out Gangster Choppers @ http://www.gangsterchoppers.com/main.htm

Happy Thanksgiving

Wishing you all a very joyous day!

I am thankful for so many things....my family and my friends...motorcycles...football...men in assless chaps....oh...i think that's part of one of Mr. M's posts. Seriously though....I'm thankful as hell for my life. No matter what happens in my life there is always something to be thankful for.

Please say a prayer for our troops who are away from their families this holiday season! God Bless them and keep them out of harms way!

Gobble Gobble!

XO
IHG

This Girls Been Nothing But Working!!!

Hi All! I've been working an enormous amount of hours lately and haven't been home to post anything on my blog. I'll be back in the grove soon. Just wanted to tell everyone HELLO!!!!

That Damn SNOW!!!

The Jasmine Cain Band had to cancel their show in Omaha tonight, at the Chrome Lounge, because they were unable to get out of South Dakota because of the weather. South Dakota had a Blizzard. YUCK! I talked to someone at the Chrome Lounge and they are hoping for a show in March. I'll let you know because you know I'll be there!!! :)

Jasmine, Sasha, and Some Other Stuff...

The Jasmine Cain Band will be in Omaha, NE on November 8th at the Chrome Lounge. They are rocking the house from 9 pm - 1 am. Hmmmmm...wonder if I'm going?

Sasha Mullins' new book, The Chrome Cowgirl Guide to the Motorcycle Life, is finally out. I picked up my copy at Barnes and Noble the other day. It's an awesome looking book. Sasha and Tigerlily grace it's cover. Why the Sturgis committee thought she wouldn't be a good pick to represent the rally still leaves me scratching my head. Anywhoo...this is another amazing book by Sasha. She is a true Chrome Cowgirl and has once again laid her soul out on the table for her readers. When I entered B & N I thought my hopes would be dashed and they wouldn't have a copy but the super nice customer service man found that they had a copy and took me right to the motorcycle section...found the book and put it into my hot little hands. I feel a true connection with Sasha because of her spiritual connection with motorcycling and the way she looks at life so I have to admit I got chill bumps and was excited like a kid on Christmas Day. There are photos, diary entries, trip tips, and Sasha's super advice on how to make the motorcycle life a total part of your soul. This book is for every woman who is thinking of riding, rides as a passenger, or rides her own.(guys, you can read it too)

Don't forget to vote on November 4th! Wish the Marine Corp a Happy Birthday on the 10th! And THANK a Veteran on November 11th!

A thought I've been pondering...If you are a panhandler and you show up on the corner every day at 7 am with your sign are you trying to show that you have good work ethic?

Don't forget to turn back your clocks, unless you live in Arizona...I don't think you folks do the daylight savings time bit.

And last but not least...for all of us people who will soon have the awful "S" word showing up in our state. GET OUT THERE WHEN YOU CAN AND RIDE!!!

Have a great weekend!!!!

xo
IHG