It grows and grows so fast and gets better every year. During last June 30th weekend, the young generation of custom builders (pro and backyard builders) rode their daily ride custom creations to the excellent, and free for all, Born Free Show and exhibition in Oak Canyon Ranch, Silverado, California. The best of the new breed’s 2-wheel offerings (Choppers, bobbers, rat-bikes, vintage cafe racers and every kind of wild oddity in between) was on display, an amazing demonstration of creativity demonstrating that the future of the customized, internal combustion engine-powered two-wheeler is in good hands. I was not on location, but PJ Hyland sent me his report and pictures of the 4th edition of the Born Free Show. See you there next year?
“Four years ago Mike Davis, owner of Born Loser Cycle and Grant Peterson, owner of Freedom Machine and Accessories, two entrepreneurs involved in the custom motorcycle building industry, decided to throw a garage party for their business associates, friends and whomever at their facilities in Orange, CA. They came up with the name Born Free from the titles of their respective businesses. They committed to the idea that they would not charge admission plus they would include free entry into the bike show and supply free food and beer. It turns out that the current custom building movement was more than ready for its own rally. The little party grew so fast that by 2011, their third year, they were forced to move it to spacious Oak Canyon Ranch, in The O.C. near Irvine Lake in Silverado, CA. Attendance estimates put the crowd at between 8,000 and 10,000, builders, riders, vendors and just plain devotees. Hundreds of builders, most of which work out of their garages, rode their custom built Shovel’s, Pans’s, Knuck’s, Flat Heads, Indians, Triumph’s etc. from across the continent, some from as far away as the east coast. Many would enter their creations in the bike show. Plus, enthusiasts from all over North America and South America, all over Europe, including Russia, all over Asia, with a sizable contingent from Japan, as well as groups from Australia and New Zealand made the pilgrimage to join their custom building colleagues for the one-day-long rally, making Born Free a bona fide international event.
I’m convinced that the distinct ‘60’s vibe, evidenced by a clear majority of attendees, had a lot to do with the fact that when this generation of young custom builders re-introduced the design concepts as well as the machines, themselves, from that halcyon era, some of the social aspects of the hip generation got swept along in the mix. Continue reading ‘Born Free Show 4th Edition. The Report.’
Conceived for 2006-12 Dyna® models. Mustang’s new Wide Tripper Forward Solo moves you 1.5” forward for ease of reaching handlebar and foot controls. The 13” wide solo should support most riders rider at the correct seating angle for long-distance riding comfort.
