By Justin James
Photos by Chan Mainor/Chanzilla Multimedia & Christian Schuck
Over the last decade and a half, I have attended, entered or judged more custom motorcycle shows than I can even count. Throughout all these shows, I have seen issues such as biased judging, questionable rules and senseless scoring criteria produce results that are profoundly blasphemous. A custom bike show should be more than just a best paint, dollars invested or popularity contest. Since I am a man of action, I decided I would do my part to combat this nonsense by organizing my own show.
The first task at hand was to develop classes and judging guidelines that would level the playing field. What I came up with was 4 classes and a criteria that would place emphasis on craftsmanship, innovation, originality and functionality. Once all that was in place, I went about fabricating all the first prize trophies. I wanted the absolute best venue and party for the show, so I reached out to Anna Padilla at Road Rider of Reno, Candice at Law Tigers Nevada and party animal Ricky Bongos.
Law Tigers Nevada assisted with promotion and kicked in swag for runner up prizes and freebies for all attendees. As she always does, Anna threw together a great party complete with a taco truck, beer vendor, bike wash babes and local radio personality Deidra to DJ/emcee. Ricky Bongos made the trip up from Vegas and brought his awesome USA made products, which he gave out as prizes to ALL Sportsters that entered the show. Highly regarded local motorcycle photographer Trent Dowell/TD Photography brought out his mobile photo booth and never stopped the bike shoots.
All in all, the show was a success. Total entries were on par with every bike rally show I have attended over the past couple of years. We drew in a diverse mix of bikes including big wheel baggers, lowriders, custom choppers, club style, café racers and rat bikes. Custom motorcycle legend Mondo of Denver’s Choppers was even in attendance and offered me some very kind words. The best part… we will be throwing this bash again next year. If you attend next year’s Street Vibrations Spring Rally and want to join in on the party be sure to come by Road Rider of Reno.
Show Winners
Best of Show:
Steve Call –
H-D FLHTCU
Big Wheel Bagger
Built To Shred
Winner:
Jerry Villavalencia–
H-D FXDB Club Style
Built To Shred Runner Up:
Steve “Thunder” Schuck –
H-D FXR Club Style
Metric Winner: Daisy Averill–
Yamaha XS650 Rigid Chopper
Metric Runner Up: Robert Morrow –
Yamaha Roadstar Custom
Heavy Metal Winner: Steve Call –
H-D FLHTCU Big Wheel Bagger
Heavy Metal Runner Up: Allen Bigby –
Custom chopper
Play Toy Winner: Purple Slice –
Vintage Hodaka 2 Stroke
