The Hard Rock, Saturday, October 20th, 2007. I prayed a silent prayer behind the stage just before one of the most powerful moments of my life. 17 months from conception to fruition, I had finished the bike build on time. With the help of many, my brother would be getting a brand new motorcycle; I was just hoping I wouldn’t pass out before I could present it to him (see the build features in the Bikernet Tech Area).
We arrived in Daytona at around noon, and visited the Sucker Punch Sally’s booth at Willies Tropical Tattoos. Ken Conte, Sucker Punch’s PR man, immediately greeted us with strippers and beer. My brother, having just exited the army, was ready to get some partying behind him before starting his new life in Miami. He was aware we were giving him something, but he was expecting a roller with a paintjob…he got much more.
When we arrived at the Hard Rock, Carrie Rep showered us with hugs and kisses while simultaneously orchestrating the series of events at the Hard Rock.. Within moments, Joey was whisked away to mingle with the crowd as we lifted his bike to the stage. The bike had been parked next to the stage with a sign thanking everybody who was involved with the build. We would never have accomplished this without the help of many.
Christian Clayton, Phoenix’s SPS mogul, stormed the stage and began handing out shirts, posters, and stickers for the crowd. He was like a trainer at Sea World getting the sharks into a feeding frenzy. The crowd was going wild!
The next moments seemed to pass quicker than I could have anticipated. Joey and I were called on the stage as Christian relayed the story of our journey to give this special gift to a soldier. As Joey stood there looking at the covered shape of his bike, I could see his hands shaking. To be honest, my knees were beating together like a kick drum. All I could hear were the chants of the crowd as Christian’s voice became more and more muffled by the resonating energy of the group staring at us. They all wanted to see the bike.
With that Christian pulled the cloak from the bike and unveiled our masterpiece. A SPS base, parts from all over the globe, filled with my love, devotion, and respect for our soldiers; this machine represented so much more than a bike!
Joey was speechless, he circled in amazement before his eyes settled on the crown jewel…the seat. A custom-made, hand tolled leather ass pocket constructed by Glenn Priddle, our Australian connection. Before I knew it, Joey was hugging my neck and saying how much he loved it. The tears flowed from many as we shared a moment very few could understand. I will never forget it.
I spoke to the crowd for a few moments as he viewed the symbol of freedom he had dreamed about for so long. I remember the roar when I asked, “What do ya’ll think? This is better than any fucking care package, right?” The crowd erupted with approval as it was apparent we all shared one common love, that of our country.
I don’t know how many people came up and thanked us, but I appreciated everyone hanging out and watching me give him the bike. It was an honor.
Keep your eyes peeled for the final build pics as well as a full feature on the bike here on Bikernet. I will also be submitting several articles to Hot Bike.
After the build, we hung out at the Plaza while watching all the crazies ride up and down the street. From what I saw, nothing’s changed at Biketoberfest except the year. There were chops, bobbers, stockers, and some wild customs I had never seen, but nothing happened after the presentation that could raise my pulse. The highlight of the weekend was over for me, and it may have been the highlight of my life.
So brother, enjoy your bike. May you ride forever, knowing you had the support of our community, the bikers, behind you all the way. May God bless our troops and bring them all home safe to us.
The next moments seemed to pass quicker than I could have anticipated. Joey and I were called on the stage as Christian relayed the story of our journey to give this special gift to a soldier. As Joey stood there looking at the covered shape of his bike, I could see his hands shaking. To be honest, my knees were beating together like a kick drum. All I could hear were the chants of the crowd as Christian’s voice became more and more muffled by the resonating energy of the group staring at us. They all wanted to see the bike.
With that Christian pulled the cloak from the bike and unveiled our masterpiece. A SPS base, parts from all over the globe, filled with my love, devotion, and respect for our soldiers; this machine represented so much more than a bike!
Joey was speechless, he circled in amazement before his eyes settled on the crown jewel…the seat. A custom-made, hand tolled leather ass pocket constructed by Glenn Priddle, our Australian connection. Before I knew it, Joey was hugging my neck and saying how much he loved it. The tears flowed from many as we shared a moment very few could understand. I will never forget it.
I spoke to the crowd for a few moments as he viewed the symbol of freedom he had dreamed about for so long. I remember the roar when I asked, “What do ya’ll think? This is better than any fucking care package, right?” The crowd erupted with approval as it was apparent we all shared one common love, that of our country.
I don’t know how many people came up and thanked us, but I appreciated everyone hanging out and watching me give him the bike. It was an honor.
Keep your eyes peeled for the final build pics as well as a full feature on the bike here on Bikernet. I will also be submitting several articles to Hot Bike.
After the build, we hung out at the Plaza while watching all the crazies ride up and down the street. From what I saw, nothing’s changed at Biketoberfest except the year. There were chops, bobbers, stockers, and some wild customs I had never seen, but nothing happened after the presentation that could raise my pulse. The highlight of the weekend was over for me, and it may have been the highlight of my life.
So brother, enjoy your bike. May you ride forever, knowing you had the support of our community, the bikers, behind you all the way. May God bless our troops and bring them all home safe to us.
