When “The King” does anything, it’s always first class, an’ this year’s show was no exception. The venue was moved to the San Mateo Event Center, where there was plenty of floor space, and no stairs to hassle with. With plenty of parking, an’ a location that was easy to find, even for this ol’ hillbillies, it was a better place to have the show, all around. Presented by American Thunder Promotions, an’ coordinated an’ judged by Ray’s M/C Show World, there was no lack of experience an’ talent behind this event!
Like the ones before, this show brought builders from all over, vying for cash an’ prizes in around 60 categories.
Donnie Smith was on hand, all the way from the East Coast, to promote the beautiful blue custom bagger he built for a benefit raffle with proceeds to benefit Guide Dogs of America.
Another celebrity on hand was Carl Brouhard, of Carl Brouhard Designs; one of the most talented an’ genuinely nice guys in the business. He’s the one who designed Arlen’s ’57 Chevy bike, an’ many more that you’d recognize instantly. Be sure ya allow plenty of time to visit his website: www.brouharddesigns. I never get away from his site in less’n an hour. Great stuff! He won 1st place in Judges Choice Best in Show, which came as no surprise to me!
My amigo, Rob Moriconi of River Rat Customs took home several pieces of “happy hardware” in several categories. He’s puttin’ together some cool stuff up there in Colusa! Look up the cool scoot painted like a WWII fighter at www.riverratcustoms
This year, I decided to enter my ol’ Shovelhead just for the hell of it, an’ when I saw the competition, includin’ a great little blue an’ white bobber by Rocky’s Cycles that’s about as cool as it gets, I wasn’t too sure I made the right decision, but when the dust cleared, I ended up with a First Place in the Shovelhead Mild Custom class, which sure put a grin on my ugly ol’ mug!
Arlen, Cory, an’ Zach were there, signin’ autographs, an’ makin’ sure that everybody felt welcome. I’ve found Arlen to be a really nice, down to Earth guy, though he’s a reluctant icon at times, preferrin’ to be in the shop buildin’ bikes than somewhere bein’ revered for the creative genius he is. Cory an’ Zach are following in those same humble an’ creative footsteps, an’ believe me, they’re some big shoes to fill!
In addition to lots of vendors sellin’ everything from leathers to new inventions, there was a good sized swap meet sellin’ new an’ used parts, so naturally, I found some stuff I just couldn’t survive another day without.
Another thing I really enjoyed was a trick ridin’ show by none other than Jason Pullen, one of the best riders to ever throw a leg over a bike. He was doin’ tricks that defied reason an’ gravity, like sittin’ backwards on the handlebars doin’ burnouts, an’ even more outrageous stuff that you’d have to see to believe! If ya get a chance to see him perform, run, don’t walk to wherever he’s at, ‘cause you won’t believe your eyes!
With the economy in as sorry a shape as it is, I was glad to see the quality an’ number of great custom bikes that showed up for this event. It shows that even in hard times, creativity an’ talent will find a way to shine!
Chief show judge and bike show coordinator Ray Kittel, who does shows nation wide, had this statement about Arlen’s show: “The Arlen Ness Bike Show is one of the premiere bike shows in the country. It is nothing short of being an exposition of the continuing legacy of the custom motorcycle, the industry itself, and one of its greatest legends… Arlen Ness.”
–Buckshot
We spoke to the promoter, Neil Ryan, about the show next year: We are excited to announce that our plans for next year are already in full gear, as we go all out to celebrate Arlen Ness' 40 years in this wild business. As we move forward we would like to know what would help to make it the best show in the west! Don't miss the 40th Anniversary of Arlen Ness Customs at the Arlen Ness Show, April 17 & 18th, 2010 at the San Mateo County Event Center.
Send your comments or suggestions to: Sue.amthunder@integraonline.com
