Motorcycle Rider News, Reviews & Events

Sunday morning Ben and myself left home at 4000' under a hot sun in tee shirts. At 5500' I pulled over to take pictures while Ben went back home to pick up a jacket. I had mine in my bags. By the time we hit Onyx summit at almost 8500', I wished I'd of put on my ear muffs and my chaps! Just didn't anticipate the wind chill. It was pleasant in Big Bear.

Big Bear Choppers is the creation of Kevin and Mona Alsop. Working hard for the last 10 years to build an international reputation, they have survived in a mountain community known more for snow skiing and winter vacations than custom choppers. Well now, Big Bear choppers has brought the mountain lake community recognition in it's own right. And they do throw a good party. There seemed be to as many people there as a year ago and with 2 days of that density, I'd guess their attendance was up. There didn't seem to be as many bike displays as last year but there seemed to be more venders and those I spoke to seemed happy.

The first bike to grab my attention was this bagger from Big Bear Choppers. They call it the G.T.X. (Grand Touring X-Wedge) The bags work well on this stretched scooter and is a unique production machine. I would like to hear from someone who has ridden one for a few hundred miles and tell me how comfortable it is. There were nice bikes in the show, as always and the public was hovering over them like they were window shopping for a tee shirt. Some know exactly what they want, some .... can't make up their minds.

Boss Hoss had a nice display with some interesting bikes. They make this 350 ci 355 HP V-8 bike with the biggest tank I've ever seen. Then Dublin Mob Choppers out of San Diego brought in this Belfast Bombshell. There seemed to be a wide selection of tastes. From sleek "new age" choppers and "fashion forward" designs to Old school and rat bobs. Plus a few nice shovel heads.Not to mention some nice artwork.

I tend to enjoy "collecting" shirts backs and colors on vests. So, here's my collection of the best one's from the day.

Then I noticed, there were more clothing companies with booths than you see at your local mall. And some of them had those California girls enjoying the sunshine. That's what the Motor Cult girls were doing. The fellow at the Social Outcast booth was trying to decide if he was one.

Matt at Toxic Ink Clothing had a nice display and along with Girlee Biker Wear made you think you were strolling through an established shopping mall.

Not all the nice scooters were in the show. Some of these were riddin in. And then here is the smallest Big Bear Choppers staff member showing his bikes.

All in all it was a nice rally. Music was provided by Rod Piazza and the Mighty Flyers and Vince Neil. One must realize, it takes years to build a successful event. I can see, with time, this could be a major event in the West. It is in a beautiful spot and with more vendors and name recognition, Big Bear will be known for more than skiing and nice riding.

Big Bear California is a vacation destination for much of the US year round. Now, there is name recognition being built by a group of people working hard to do what they love and still survive on the mountain. Who knows, in a few decades, Big Bear may be the Milwaukee of the west.

Beej

You may contact this associate here. beej@rumblenews.com