I'm going to miss her...

Looks like the Alabama 1/2 Sack may be heading to a new home in Sunny California.  I've sold a few motorcycles before, but this one is different for some reason.  

I want to thank every one of my buddies who has helped me, with both knowledge and/or moral support, get this motorcycle in the shape it's in now.

I'm going to miss her...but the Shovel is road-ready and I'm going to enjoy tinkering with her over the winter.

I hate the term "you can't keep 'em all" but in this case, for me, it's fitting.

Progress on a Conte Kustoms Seat

This seat has tested my skills and patience but I'm liking how it's coming together. Hope to have it done soon!

Bama Swap and Drag

The Bama Swap and Drag is coming up in a few weeks.  I will be set up with a variety of items...parts, leather goods, vintage motorcycle magazines, etc.

Be there!  This is a great event put on by Rick's Cycle Parts and Violent Choppers.



In Progress

Finishing up another seat for Conte Kustoms. Dyed and ready for lacing.

Shovelhead Dreams

About 13 months ago I bought an absolute boat anchor of a shovel motor from a "friend".  A lot of time, money (of course), and a good bit of luck went into getting this thing on the road.  Rickey Lewis of Rick's Cycle Parts rebuilt the motor and helped with the finishing touches.

Rickey is going to help me with some final issues, then it will be time to eat up some miles!

Big thanks to Rickey, Roadside Marty, my Inbred Brothers, and my beautiful wife Kristin for helping me achieve my "Shovelhead Dreams"!

Game On!

It's officially official.  The boys at Biltwell just announced the El Diablo Run 5.  May 23-26, 2013!

Let the planning begin...

El Diablo Run 2013

http://www.eldiablorun.blogspot.com/

Can't friggin' wait.  EDR2013 is on the top of my bucket list!!!

Skull Canvas

One of my favorite parts of this year's Barber Vintage Festival was an art exhibit called "Skull Canvas".  It was a collaboration between Bryan Fuller, of Fuller Hot Rods, and Larry Gardinier, an Atlanta area artist.

I walked through the booth on Friday morning and met Larry.  There were over 20 helmets that had been custom painted by artists from all over the world.  Each helmet was up for auction, with a minimum bid.

I was pleased to be able to bring one home...I have a collection of painted helmets so this exhibit was right up my alley!

Both Bryan and Larry said they hoped to bring the exhibit back to the 9th Annual Barber Vintage Festival next year.

Barber Photo Dump

Had a blast at Barber's this year.  I already can't wait until next years event.  Here are some pictures I took throughout the weekend.

Exhausted

Another Barber Vintage Festival is in the books! I'm too pooped for a proper post. I'll post a recap throughout the week. Had a blast!!

 

Barber Vintage Festival!

Barber Vintage Festival is this weekend!  I live about 4 minutes from Barber Motorsports Park but look forward to this event all year long.  Camping with friends, both new and old, watching the vintage racing action, wall of death, swap meet, the museum, it all adds up to sensory overload!

Below are some pictures that I poached off of the web to try and capture all the diversity of the Barber Vintage Festival.

I hope to see friends and make new over the weekend.  Don't miss it!

Excuse me while I vent...

I usually don't "blog" about my feelings and such but please bear with me.  I've had a tough couple of days and its got me troubled.  I'm in the unfortunate situation to have to constantly defend myself against people that are my so called "friends" or even "brothers".  I'm not completely innocent in this situation.  I am outspoken and have a very hard time hiding my feelings.  If somebody does something that I don't agree with, I have a very hard time keeping my mouth shut.  This is a flaw in my personality that I'm aware of and work daily to rectify.

  While I'm "blogging" and all...let me also say this.  The fact that I'm a Red Bull salesman and NOT a vintage motorcycle mechanic, does not make me a target for shady business dealings.  I choose to take my motorcycles to a mechanic that I trust, has an excellent reputation, and has been in business for 20 years.  I've been riding for 5 years and have had my share of shady dealings with so called "custom builders".  This niche of the motorcycling industry is very small and I choose to spend my hard earned dollars with people I respect, and that respect my business.  Even if that means I have to travel a few hours to receive that great service.

Let me close with this...if you use the social network app "Instagram" give me a follow @americana_spd_shp.  There's always room on the bus.  In fact, there's more room after today because I've finally had some closure with a few "friends" that were never that at all.

 

Shakedown

Had a great weekend with my club brothers. We took a trip down to LA (lower Alabama) for the COC meeting then camped out at a state park near Ozark. 500 or so miles on my new (33 year old) motorcycle! I've got some work to do to get it dialed in but she ran strong the entire trip!

Kustom Jeff takes pictures

Kustom Jeff (www.jdbatman.blogspot.com) took some riding shots Saturday that will hopefully get used in some Chopper Rags in the coming months.

Check out his blog to keep up with all of his wacky adventures.

Thanks again, Cuz!