I've got a dying cat wake-up alarm, and it snorted and hissed particularly loud the foggy morning of the first Chopperfest in December 2004. It was a strange day for me as I loaded my '46 Dicey Knucklehead, built by Randy Simpson of Milwaukee Iron, in the back of my lowered pickup. I hauled it to display with a memorial exhibit of David Mann art. I was scheduled to give a brief talk about Dave's influences on my life and Easyriders, which were tremendous.
My quiet nature that gray morning was enhanced by memories of David and my 23 years with Easyriders. The staff would be there, and many riders from my early Ventura area years riding with Molachs MC, Orphans MC, Question Marks MC, and ultimately Hells Angels. George Christie, the president of the Ventura Chapter for some 25 years, also gave a brief speech about Dave's involvement with the club and riders everywhere. George and I were riding partners before the club days. Jacquie Mann, David's wife, was weepy before the ceremony, but handled herself magnificently in front of the bereaved onlookers.
As I drove out the rambling freeway toward the event, my mind raced with memories of the early days and how David Mann influenced my life. I wouldn't have paid any attention to the first Easyriders if it hadn't been for David Mann's centerspread painting of the couple smokin' a joint on a dark, street lamp lit, San Franciscan hillside while astride a classic black chopper. I worked alongside David for all those years. He helped me with magazine projects, painted renderings of my concept bikes, and ultimately painted my family crest that I turned into my fifth wedding ring. I host a terrible weakness for young voluptuous redheads.
As I pulled up to the Ventura County Fairgrounds Iron Gates, I was immediately greeted by a member of the ER staff, a man who I gave an initial publishing business start. Everywhere I turned I met old riders, club members, and builders I knew from decades ago. I couldn't bump a rider, check out a bike, or brush against a women who wasn't connected in someway with my past.
There's something about the classic old-school bobber, flat-track racers from the '30s, and even Russell Mitchell-brushed aluminum choppers that scream class machinery, historic innovations, and memories. Each David Mann Exhibit painting held a memory of magazines long ago, of times, events, custom bikes, and women speeding through my deadline-riddled life. Plus, there's nothing like digging through piles of old parts for that long-awaited gem in the swap meet area.
It was good to see the old school mixed with the new, to chat with riders, builders, and women who crossed my ragged path. Times change, and yet they remain the same in the hearts of many who wish, dream for old times, open less-congested roads, Panheads, and long unencumbered nights with brothers huddled in dark garages with beers and busted knuckles.
Dave Hansen, or Huggybear, from the shop brought all these elements back to life on a sunny coastal California afternoon overlooking the blue Pacific. His restoration/bike shop has bordered the 101 Freeway in Montavo for over 30 years, and he's continued the lifestyle through his summer antique rally, a lead sled car show, and now the Chopperfest, which from this event forward will be named after the Easyriders' artist, David Mann's Chopperfest.
The Chopperfest 2004 Winners:California Bobber Trophy'28 Richard Bunch JD Harley
Old-Skool Skooter'47 Julie Amick Knucklehead
Modern KustomJohnny Cash Kustom H-D
Modern Bobber'97 Eddie Curly Butler Harley
Radical DesignJason Avery Blitz 300
Long Bike'04 Mike Powers, Lady Tamer
Rat Bike'64 Paul Wheeler Panhead
Metric ChopperRick Reyes Honda Chopper
Bitchinist MotorRon Mattson Dual Triumph Bonne
Sportster'03 Mark Kindgren XL Chopper
Bagger'96 Richard Bunch Ness Luxury Liner
LowRider BicycleJuanita Juana Psychos Cycles Custom
David Mann Best Of Show'47 Jeff Halstead Knucklehead
Lowrider M/C'05 County Line Cycles H-D Softail Low-Low