Cycle Connections

We were intrigued by the name Kenny chose for his old-school masterpiece and the unusual artwork on the top of the fuel tank, so we asked Kenny for the story. Kenny: Every time the wife wanted to go out and do something, I wanted to go out to the shop and work on this bike. She got pretty impatient with it. She would suggest going out to dinner or going to visit friends, but I would always be busy with the bike. After this went on for a while, she finally said, “You know, that bike is getting to be…

A few weeks ago, while chatting with Duncan Barnett, General Manager at Libery Cycle Center, he told me about this really nice custom Kawasaki Mean Streak that belonged to a customer of his, and thought I might want to consider it as a possible cover bike for one of our upcoming issues. I get this a lot, so I asked Duncan to send me some photos of the bike and I’d take a look. He told me there were photos of the bike on CC Custom Graphic’s web site, and since Chris Cofield, owner of CC Custom Graphics is also…

Chad Osborne is the owner of this incredible one-off custom chopper. The day we shot Chad’s bike I interviewed him to find out more about him and the Adrenaline Exterme Combat (AEC) Glow Chopper. CC: Chad, what is your occupation?Chad: I'm a musician and I do promotions.CC: What are your hobbies?Chad: I enjoy hunting and fishing. CC: Why do you ride? Chad: Relaxation.CC: How long have you been riding? Chad: On and off for 20 years.CC: What was your first bike? Chad: It was a YZ 80 baby!CC: How many bikes have you owned? Chad: I've owned two bikes. CC:…

Melinda Beebe is the owner of this incredible one-off custom chopper. The day we shot Melinda's bike we interviewed her to find out more about herself and her bike. As it turns out, Randy Clouette, Ken Beebe and Rick Park of RKR Customs built the bike, which was painted by Chris Cofield of CC Custom Graphics. The detail on this bike is incredible and is definitely a top-of-the-line custom. In this day and age of look-alike choppers, these guys built a custom bike that is guaranteed to turn heads and win awards. CC: Melinda, what is your occupation?Melinda: I'm a…

The first time I seen Dale Talley's beautiful custom built chopper was in 2004 at Gail's Worth Harley-Davidson Invitational in Kansas City. I was blown away by the style, smooth lines and clean look of this bike, and knew that one day I'd have to shoot it for our cover. I love custom graphics and photograph-quality airbrushing as much as the next guy, but to me, the metal flake Tangelo Pearl-colored paint job just gleams with class! Dale is the owner of Dale's Auto Body and Upholstery in Kansas City, Kansas and also builds custom bikes, cars and trucks under…

Alex Goen – CEO TRIMSPA® and WINFUEL™Cedar Knolls, New JerseyCC: Being the CEO of TRIMSPA and WINFUEL, do you have time for any hobbies? Alex: Yes. I enjoy playing with my kids, spending time with my wife, fishing and riding.CC: How long have you been riding? Alex: Since I was ten years old.CC: What was your first bike? Alex: A mini-bike, then a MX-80 and a YZ-125. CC: How many bikes have you owned? Alex: Ten or more. CC: How many bikes do you currently own? Alex: Seven. CC: Wow! What is your dream bike? Alex: This WINFUEL bike that…

Ilya Blond - Hellraiser ChoppersLenexa, KansasCC: Do you have any hobbies other than building custom bikes? Ilya: Yes. Hot Rods, Drag racing, and NASCAR basicaly anything with speed. CC: What do you ride? Ilya: A Hellraiser Custom Hardtail Springer Chopper. CC: What do you like most about your bike? Ilya: I like that it’s an old school Springer Hardtail and cuz I like Hardtails (grin). CC: How long have you been riding? Ilya: Over 12 years.CC: What was your first bike? Ilya: It was a '79 Sportster basket case that I bought for $1,500. CC: How many bikes have you…

CC: Don, what is your occupation?Don: Crude Oil & Natural Gas Production.CC: What hobbies do you have, other than motorcycling?Don: I enjoy golf, gambling (Holdem Poker) and travel.CC: Why do you ride?Don: I ride because it is a feeling of freedom, and all other things are usually blocked out. Riding is a great escape from the everyday routine that so many people bitch and complain about.CC: How long have you been riding?Don: I purchased my first bike in 1969 and have been on and off of motorcycles since then.CC: What was your first bike? Don: It was a Honda 305…

CC: Shane, what is your occupation?Shane: I’m a mortgage broker.CC: Do you have any hobbies other than motorcycling?Shane: I enjoy offshore powerboats, hot rods and photography. I took most of these photos. CC: Why do you ride? Shane: It gives me the outlet I need during the busy work week. For the last two seasons I have been without a boat, so it has been my primary hobby and stress relief.CC: How long have you been riding?Shane: Three years.CC: What was your first bike?Shane: My first bike was a '01 Honda 600 CBR F4i.CC: How many bikes have you owned?…

CC: Eric, what is your occupation?Eric: I’m co-owner of Financial Freedom Mortgage LLC CC: What hobbies do you have, other than motorcycling?Eric: I enjoy going to the movies, camping, horseback riding, and snow skiing.CC: Why do you ride?Eric: I ride because I like the power and speed.CC: How long have you been riding and what was your first bike?Eric: I have been riding since the age of 10 and I am currently 35 years old.CC: What was your first bike? Eric: My first bike was a KX 80 Dirt Bike.CC: How many bikes have you owned? Eric: My first bike…

I met Scott Ryals and his 1974 FLH Harley-Davidson a couple of years ago when I moved into my new home. I had just finished putting the first spring coat of wax on my bike when I heard the sound of an older Harley cranking up down the street. Within a couple of minutes, Scott and his pristine 1974 Shovelhead came rolling down the street. Of course, I had to flag him down and introduce myself as a fellow rider. After a short introduction, I was immediately taken by the excellent condition of his bike and the fact that he…

I met Eric at the All American Bike Show at World of Wheels and told him I thought his chopper would look great on one of our upcoming cover pages. Now, that time has come.CC: How did you get started building motorcycles?Eric: My interest in motorcycles started when I was a kid. My parents got my brother and I into racing. I grew up in South Dakota and went to my first Sturgis Rally in 1980. As a kid, I was overwhelmed by the world of bikers. I started road racing professionally on the Pro AMA 600 Super Sport circuit…

CC: What is your profession? Craig: I’m a painter. CC: Do you have any hobbies other than motorcycling? Craig: I enjoy hanging out at the beach with my family. CC: Why do you ride? Craig: It’s in the blood! CC: How long have you been riding? Craig: I’ve been riding motorcycles for more than 22 years. CC: What was your first bike? Craig: It was a Yamaha 400. CC: How many bikes have you owned? Craig: I’ve owned a total of three bikes. CC: How many bikes do you currently own? Craig: This bike is my one and only. CC:…