1973 Harley Davidson Sportster - Motorcycle Dreams

There were a few problems with the timing, which Mondo admits he should have left to the pros. He had some trouble, and let's just say that he ended up on crutches for two weeks. However, some problems have a way of working out for the best. When Mondo had a color in mind for the Sportster he pictured more of a dark purple, but the bike ended up looking like a purple candy instead. The tuck-and-roll .spring solo seat, which Mondo ordered with a dark purple stripe, showed up at his house with a candy purple stripe. Coincidence? Yeah, maybe.

Through it all Mondo gained something he hadn't planned on-a partner. Every time his son-in-law Steve came over he spent time looking over Mondo's shoulder. The next thing Mondo knew, Steve was rolling up his sleeves and helping out. Now, as Mondo puts it, "Steve dreams motorcycles."

Three months and a pair of crutches later, the big day had come. Mondo's family watched from the sidelines as he started his maiden voyage with the Sportster. After 20 years of not riding a chopper, Mondo was rustier than the Sportster had been three months earlier. Mondo's family watched him wobble from side to side on the road and worried that he was going to dislocate a few things. But Mondo was just fine, and he couldn't stop smiling. After taking the Sportster six blocks and then pulling back into his garage, Mondo couldn't help but feel that old school was no longer old. It was now.

Mondo is planning to retire from construction soon and would like to do a couple of builds each year. He wants to relax, enjoy himself, and take his time. What he doesn't want to do is retire from one job just to start another. "It's what keeps you sane," he says, "but it still has to be fun." With his son-in-law at his side, Mondo plans on starting up the next phase of his dream-opening a shop someday.