SW - When I was contacted to write my version of Busted Knuckles I was really overwhelmed, because I knew this was my opportunity to voice my opinion on various issues facing the motorcycle industry, including people, ideas, fellow builders and so on.
Amongst everything else going on in my life right now, including coming off the Biker Build-Off win and my mind going a thousand miles an hour, I didn't even know where to start or end. Meanwhile, the LTC crew was in the midst of packing up all of our stuff and relocating to Myrtle Beach for a full week. Before I knew it I was on a plane to South Carolina with some of the LTC crew, including my new, fresh-to-the-industry PR gal, Natalie Sweet, completely unaware of what was in store for me.
A good friend of mine, Colleen Swartz, had arranged for us to rent some space in a house directly behind the stage at the Broken Spoke Saloon. The living arrangements would include my good friend and photographer Josh Kurpius, Harry from the Wall of Death, Chris Callen and Tattoo Duke from Cycle Source, some of the folks from Cook Customs, Tara, Natalie, and me. So you can see my dilemma: I had a lot weighing on my shoulders with the looming article deadline, and the fact that I was trying to introduce my new employee to the world I live in without overwhelming her. Mind you, Natalie was very eager to learn and certainly not easily intimidated, as she spent much of her free time kicking ass on the roller rink as a rollergirl and as creative director for the Burning River Roller Girls in Cleveland, and also as owner of an indie record label. Still, I thought living behind a biker bar might scare her away. As the new PR girl for LTC, her job was to let everyone know who we are and why we're great, but first I felt it was important for her to understand the culture of this industry. What both of us didn't realize was what a great experience this trip was going to become for all of us.
The following is our shared account of our experience and our impression of what this whole industry is truly about.
NS - The first thing that struck me was the dedication of the riders on the Wall of Death. Scott took Tara and me to a show just a few minutes after I arrived at the Spoke and I was instantly hooked. I really appreciated how these people were so committed to continuing with the true spirit and ultra-American aesthetic of motorcycle daredevils. They don't do it for money and they don't do it for fame; they very obviously do it because they love it and they know that by them continuing the Wall of Death tradition, the motorcycle industry will always stay grounded in its roots. I didn't need to grow up on a motorcycle to see this.