One of the fundamentals of religion is to congregate with those who have the same ideals. This process of banding together often alienates those who profess to the same beliefs. In the modern world men and women have taken it upon themselves to generalize the principle of religion and gather around people who idolize similar things. The worship of Harley-Davidsons has become a religion for many people. While churches fill up on Sundays and holidays, bikers hit the road. In celebration of this phenomenon, bike clubs are created when bikers with similar ideas congregate. However, in the mix of focusing on the infrastructure of a club they often forget their love of the machine. Bike clubs have been established all over the world, from the cold fronts of Alaska to the least expected place for bike culture, Hawaii.
The first bike club was started in Hawaii circa 1950. A group of bikers had started racing in the red dirt of Northshore, Oahu and found they were looking for something to call themselves. As these bikers started hitting the street together, “The Sons of Hawaii” became Hawaii’s first bike club. Since then a multitude of bike clubs have emerged and there are currently 16 active clubs on the island. They have managed to make their mark on Hawaii and are recognized for their philanthropy and community sense. Among many events, Street Bikers United puts on a toy drive called “Toys for Tots”, along with Mo’opuna who arranges an annual fundraising run for Shriners hospital. Although bike clubs are well respected in Hawaii, it has become convenient for them to be sidetracked and focused on their own club functions instead of the machine that inspires them all. In the mainland bikers are connected to the culture because the industry is readily available to them, but being in Hawaii means that bikers are continually grasping for what is accessible. Connecting with other bikers in their own neighborhood is convenient. Promoting the industry in respect to the entire population remains a challenge. The sense of bikers creating groups and isolating themselves is why bikers of Hawaii remain a mystery to the world.
Hawaii is a mixing pot of cultures and styles, from mainland military personal to native islanders. It is rich of its own uniqueness and has created a biker culture that is exclusive to the state. Since Hawaii is distant from the mainland, a majority of its style is due to its own accord. A style often emerges when Islanders adapt mainland styles to what is both appropriate and accessible to their lifestyle. The product of this marriage is a specific style of machine with riders who are defined by the laid back culture of Hawaii.
Despite its lack of exposure there are many who claim that Hawaii is the best state for the sport. The roads are warm and open 365 days a year. Bikers soar down the highways with bare skin and the wind blowing through their hair. The rolling waves and lush greenery serve as a flawless backdrop as riders flash a friendly “Shaka” as they cross paths. Club members and bikers from every walk of life are consistently friendly to each other. The majority of bikers choose to spend their religious days on the road because they are truly patient about the sport and have no other ulterior motives.
Since the 40’s residents have taken advantage of these opportunities and in the process have invented their own styles of machines adapted to Hawaii. As bike trends were whispered through, Hawaii bikers had every intention of modifying their bikes in the same manner that they had admired in magazines. Bikes were being stripped down so that they were lighter and faster. As Hawaii bikers stripped down their bikes, accessibility of parts became a problem. As a result they used what parts they had and bikes were modified with trade mark characteristics like wide handle bars, bobbed rear fenders, duel fish tales, British front ends and pogo seats to name a few. As local boys perfected the skill of being resourceful, the “Local Boy” bike had turned into a traditional, well sought after style of machine for local riders. It has become a bike that has been adapted over the years but still true to its defining characteristics.
Hawaii now has the opportunity to show the world that they have earned a spot in the industry. On February 15, 2004 Hawaii will be hosting the biker build off between Arlen and Corey Ness to be viewed on the Discovery Channel. The world will have the opportunity to see Hawaii’s open roads and biker culture. Locals will have an opportunity to ride with the Nesses to a biker party to remember. The event will be held at Waikiki’s own Hard Rock Cafe. It will include entertainment, a bike show, and good old fashion biker fun.
The bike clubs are seizing this opportunity to present a unified front to the biker community. Deacon, of Pro-street Custom Cycles, has spear headed the task. He will be planning the event that will receive the Nesses. Deacon has recently called a meeting with the members of Koa Puna, Ali’i, Ka hu, Vagos and the Refugees. As he stood on a rock outside of the Hard Rock Cafe, club members circled around and attentively listened to his vision. They nodded in agreement as he diplomatically exclaimed, “We will put Hawaii on the map!” The club members weren’t looking to see what patch was next to them but focused on their determination to share their paradise with the world.
Deacon has taken the strengths of each club into account and as has delegated the clubs responsibilities accordingly. The club members have taken the initiative to help plan every aspect of the upcoming event. The goal is obvious as they plan each detail. Many of them have stepped up to give extra help. In addition, there is a list of local sponsors who are offering their support.
Hawaii’s bikers are coming together in full force to show the world and the industry what they have to offer. They see that the larger vision is more important than their individual clubs. In fact, they are using the strength of each club where it is most advantageous for the group. With the help of promoter, Deacon, and organizer, Chris Tronolone, Hawaii is ready to show bikers around the world what they have been missing. They are confident that their unique culture will be appreciated by the masses. Island riders are coming together with an effort worthy of a religious event. In our modern world they offer a template for others to worship and as Deacon once said outside a local bar, “This is only the beginning.”
