Not sure where to start. I was working in a bike shop on Imperial Highway, US Choppers in 1970 to support going to Long Beach City College. I was into my first Shovelhead after I sold my 1969 XLCH, and perhaps my fourth bike build after the Sportster, a bent Triump 650 and a 45 trike ground up.
I still didn’t know what the hell I was doing. Through Andy Hansen and Bob George I started to rebuild engines. I met Andy on the USS Maddox, DD731, which was my last duty station in the service. Andy was a reservist and came aboard once a month for a weekend. He lived in Culver City, near the Los Angeles Airport and was building his first show chopper in his living room.
Bob George built a custom double-Shovel and took it to the drags. I watched as he lit it up and broke all the primary chains. Ultimately, he built a streamliner for Bonneville, which became the Jammer Streamliner and the Easyriders Streamliner. Travis told me a story recently about the team and how the liner became owned by Jammer Cycle. There’s always an odd mix between the artist and the guy who supplies the cash.
I started to work for Easyriders on the third issue in 1971. That puts me at about 52 years in the motorcycle industry. For lots of guys it’s a labor of love. For most of us know we won’t get rich, but we get to do what we love every day.
As you get older you recognize that lots of money is a curse. If you can make enough to keep your next build going, your business rolling, and the next run financed, you’ve got it made. It’s all about the next adventure and helping brothers and sisters get there.
–Bandit
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