The Big Texas Chop-Off kicked off with a number of selected shops being asked if they would rival in a bike building competition. The rules: the bike must be totally new, never before seen, and if any image accidentally makes its way to the press you are S.O.L.! Since these bikes were built by some of the best Texas, up and coming builders, it seemed there was only one true, recognizable way to judge. The promoters established a contingent of builders like Rick Fairless, Joe Martin, Jerry Covington, Tim Edmondson, Donnie Smith and others to choose the Chop Off champion.
Due to time and creative constraints this competition would require a total lack of concern for ones own health, welfare or family. This fact reduced the field to 18 original contestants. Lucky Devil Metal Works in Houston happily accepted this challenge; we all know the Devil never sleeps anyway! As the dead line approached the Lucky Devil happily toiled along in a blaze of sparks, fire and heat. Forging what would become a one of a kind Texas scooter, hand built from the ground up!
I made my way to the Texas Motor Speedway for the beginning of the LSBB. Upon my arrival Luis Rodriguez, the promoter had taken care of me as my Press badge and VIP cards were waiting. A Bikernet.com VIP, well, hell yes, I wouldn't expect any less.
I soon found the Lucky Devil himself wandering the parking lot, as we entered in to the infield area of the track where the events were held. We had to make a stop at Rick Fairless' Strokers trailer to gaze upon his recently built Triumph. This is one nice bike, oh yeah, Lucky Devil Metal works built the frame, fuel/oil tanks and rear sheet metal, and then Rick's fine crew handled the final assembly and paint.
I made a quick trip around the south parking lot where the Chop Off contestants gathered. Watch out for the thing about Texas in September. It's damn hot on an asphalt parking lot in the sun. So I quickly formed a new plan for my photojournalistic duties? I know, sit under the tent, drink a cold beverage and wait for the cute girls to come to me! OK, OK, what about the Chop Off bikes? Luis can y'all ride them by here? NO? Damn!
Friday night's schedule included a police escorted ride to the Fort Worth Stock Yards, while the cows no longer pass through the wood railings anymore, there are a variety of adult activities available. Bradley Da Polisher stopped by before making his way into town. Of course the Lucky Devil only uses Bradley's services for his polishing needs. Friday night was spent at the track, partying with friends and of course my favorite Lynchburg beverage.
Saturday mornings slumber was shattered by the sounds of straight pipes blasting throughout the smoldering hotel parking lot. As I peered around the curtain edge one thought smeared through the haze in my mind, “Damn it looks hot out there!” Options: stay in the a/c at the $300 a night Doral Hotel across from the track (bet you didn't know Bikernet.com paid so well?), or go do my job? First, before all you shits try and apply for my job, the hotel was nice enough to cut us the LSBB a little slack and give up a few rooms for a very reasonable rate.
Bandit called my room minutes later. “Get off your ass and across the street.” I gulped stale hotel coffee, quick. How did he know? The unveiling of the Chop-Off entries was happening. They were secured the day before in one of the massive track garages, along with totally blacked out windows. What genius set off the smoke machine in the totally sealed up garage with no a/c and no decent lighting? Made it difficult to get a decent photo. Am I sniveling? The bikes were left in the garage for the public to view for the remainder of the day. As the sun finally began to set Bosshamer fired up the grill to cook up some kick ass steaks. I believe I may have finally discovered the secret of his Bar-B-Que mastery?
After dinner it was time for the VIP party, and while Red Bull sponsored the party, there were other beverage options available at the same low rate, FREE! It was during this evening that a strange new phenomenon began to appear, Lucky Devil Shenanigans! While as a journalist I must remain fair and impartial, I am allowed to provide photographic documentation of said Shenanigans.
Sunday mornings arrival meant it was finally time for the judges to inspect each entry, followed by the road course portion of the competition. Not only did the competitive call for never-before -seen they also had to be road worthy. The first test was a few laps around the speedway followed by a maneuverability test through the cones. Then it was time to tally the votes.
There were some concerns mentioned by other builders, I have spoken with over the last couple of weeks. As one builder stated, ” It looks strange when two of the top three winners also had relatives on the judging panel, whether or not those individual votes were counted or not?” One of the top three did not even attempt the speedway run or the road course, which was, suppose to be a mandatory requirement of the competition. These are items that might need to be addressed in next year's competition, just to eliminate any perceived ideas or notions.
The Big Texas Chop Off is a unique chance to showcase the new talent that emerges daily in the motorcycle community. This year all chop-off builders judged the open bike show competition and chose a builder to compete in the 2005 Chop Off. This means three of the spots are already taken if you think you might be interested in competing.
Oh Yeah Lucky Devils Texas Chop Off entry is for sale. I tried, but could not talk him into a trade for the Little Red Rigid. Hell, I offered a convenient payment plan.
Till Next Time
Rigid Frame Richard
1st Place – David Covington/Covington Cycles. Invited back next year as a judge.
2nd Place – Jesse Jurrens/Independent Cycles/Legends Air. Invited back next year to compete again.
3rd Place – Matt Edmundson/Edmundson Custom Cycles. Invited back next year to compete again.
Next years event has been extended to 10 days(?) not sure, but not much of a crowd for 3 days.
