When Gypsy Charros the female bike builder out of Houston Texas was informed by the Discovery Channel that she had been selected to be the first female to compete in their Biker Build Off she was more than happy. Not only was she to be the first, but the doors had finally opened to women many of who have been an important part of the biker lifestyle for years.
Gypsy gave a lot of consideration to who would make up her team and she started with Berry Wardlaw the owner of Accurate Engineering in Dothan Alabama. Berry is well known for the show winning engines he has built for many of the build off winners. He was also named Engine Builder Of The Year at the V-Twin Expo this year.
It was also decided to use Accurate Engineering as the place the build would take place as it had almost every thing needed in house to do the build. Okay they don’t chrome, but handle most everything else.
Next was Larry Curik the well known builder from Lone Star Choppers in Waterloo Illinois. Larry has built numerous motorcycles that have won shows and had articles done on them in Easyriders. He is also the New Products Manager for MID-USA. OOPS! I almost forgot to mention a Top Notch Welder.
The paint was to be done by Robert Pradke of Eastford Connecticut. Robert is well known for being the late Indian Larry’s painter and a master in his field. Other support would be up and coming builders from the local area as well as the staff of Accurate Engineering. This experience allowed those who have reached a certain level in their field to further learn from some of the best.
Jeff Byars is Berry Wardlaw’s assistant and works for Accurate Engineering. Foy runs the machine shop at Accurate and is assisted by David McKnight Big John Dady is in charge of metal finishing and polishing. Larry Philips who owns JABA Rod & Cycles in Dothan assisted Larry Curik.Jay Haistings who owns Ground Floor Customs in Dothan helped Robert Pradke.
Now I Got To Tell You. This Is A Winning Team.Gypsy and her team were up against a Big Dog Motorcycle dealer and builder Kim Suter of Kim Suter KC Creations in Kansas City. He’s a helluva builder and we look forward to his creation.
I will keep you informed as new info is available.
— ROGUE
