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Sukhee Goes to
Sturgis!
Yes, I got the
call! I was going to work for AFT Customs
Modeling Agency and attend the largest
motorcycle rally in the world. A place I had
heard about for its bars as big as small towns,
wild parties and wild people, sharing the
common ground in their love for the motorcycle
industry. People traveled from all over the
world to be a part of this annual event, We met
folks from Germany, Ireland, Japan, Norway and
Canada. I had no idea the impact that this
experience was going to have on my life and the
course it was about to
take...
It took Jim and I two
days to drive the truck and trailer about
fifteen hundred miles from central
California to Sturgis, South Dakota.
As we took in the views of Nevada, the
wondrous salt flats of Utah, and then
Wyoming, Jim educated me about the "Er
Hed." It was his custom creation that was
also built with the help of the AFT Customs
Models. This bike won 1st at the 2008 Los
Angeles Calendar show, along with many
other 1st place winnings. I was proud
to promote AFT and the "Er Hed," it is an
amazing work of artistry. I shared my love
of bikes with Jim, and that some day I
wanted one of my own. That's where it
began, Jim and I came to the conclusion
that the next AFT Customs bike build would
be my own personal bike. The AFT Girls and
expert guidance of Jim Giuffra were about
to explore the concepts of the next
creation...and she does have a
name...
Sturgis
was pretty country, rolling green hills,
trees, blue skies and warm with a bit of
humidity. We pulled into the AMD world
championship tent so that we could drop off
and check in for the competition that was
to begin the following day. We watched
Roger Goldammer start and run his bike the
"Goldmember," and I could tell by Jim's
expression and enthusiasm, that this guy
must be a 'somebody' in the bike builder
world. That evening we checked into
our hotel and got in some of the tourist
attractions. I rode on the back of Jim's
Honda 650 and we made our way to
historical Mt. Rushmore.
Sunday,
the AMD tent was buzzing with builders and
spectators. I was to have my first photo
session with the "Er Hed." Horst, a well
known photographer from Germany was going
to be taking the shots. What a great guy he
is and one of the hardest working
photographers in the industry. Horst
mentioned that his colleague Frank, another
well known German photographer would also
like to use me to be photographed with some
of the other custom bikes. So for three
days in a row, I got to work with Horst and
Frank and pose next to beautiful bikes. In
between shoots, I mingled with spectators
and met some of the top builders who were
more than generous in explaining their
bikes and the ideas that inspired
them.
Day
two of the AMD show started with a shoot
with Brian Fullers military designed bike,
inspired by his father. A very cool bike
and fun to pose with. The next bike was
from Orange County Choppers, super
cool considering I use to watch the show.
Then a shoot with the "Goldmember." Roger
and his friend Jimmy joined me in the
shoot, which made it extra fun. I learned
that Roger would be taking his masterpiece
to race at the Bonneville Salt Flats.
Jim, Roger, Jimmy and I decided to join up
and see Deadwood, where the infamous Bill
Hickock got shot. Deadwood was a town that
old westerns were made of, except now there
were no horses just thousands of iron ones.
We rode through Spear Fish Canyon, it was a
beautiful ride through nature. Then we
ended the night at Full Throttle Saloon.
Wow, this place was a town of its own. In
the center we watched Jason Pullen stand on
his gas tank as he did a burn out, good
stuff..
Tuesday..
judging day for the top twelve bikes. I
went around with Jim and gave my input on
the bikes I really liked and
thought were the most innovative. That
evening we attended Michael Lichters
party at Thunder Road. Jim and I were
interviewed by Randy Simpson, owner of
Milwaukee Iron. The interview was for
"Sturgis Rider Live." My first on camera
interview, it wasn't as terrifying as
I thought and Randy made it real easy, and
fun. We talked with Randy about the
next Aft bike build and he was gracious in
donating fenders.
Wednesday,
today the winners of the AMD World
Championships are to be announced. One
could feel the tension and suspense
crowding the tent. The emotions ran deep
for these talented bike builders. All of
their hard work was about to be paid off. I
realized as I looked at all the bikes, that
there were no losers here, only inspired
professionals that had the dedication and
follow through to show up and show off
their efforts.
Winner for
the metric division..AFT Customs! The "Er
Hed" also came in twelfth in the over all
freestyle, This is major for a metric bike,
especially since there were about sixty
eight bikes entered. Second place went to
Sepp from Germany. His "Seppster" bike was
amazing with it's spiked tires for riding
in the ice and snow. First place went to
Roger Goldammer's "Goldmember." This is
Roger's third world championship, well done
and well deserved. That evening we
celebrated with Steven, Roger and his close
friend Jimmy. Steven is a young man we met
at the AMD show. A real pleasure to hang
out with. His mother Suzanne is a well
known artist that does beautiful paintings
of custom cars and bikes. We hope to work
with her one day. The night ended at "Loud
America," a popular bar that was wall to
wall with people having a great time. Live
music was playing and the voice was so
familiar..it was Axel Rose who played a
couple of sets. Good times, great people
and a perfect ending to the AMD
Championship.
Thursday,
we showed up at the Legends Top 50 show and
entered the competition. There was lots of
quality networking and once again AFT
Customs won the metric class! I rode into
the tent on the bike sitting in front of
Jim. Even though at first I wasn't too
sure how it would look, Jim was right
and it was a good photo
opportunity and the spectators liked
it. There were no women that entered the
bike build this year, although next year
there will be..That evening we attended a
private party held by Grease Monkey. This
was one of the highlights of my whole
journey. I felt welcomed in the inner
circle of custom bike building on an
intellectual level. No one cared how much I
knew, just that I cared to know and
understand. I met Allan Krause and he
explained the spiritual inspiration behind
one of his creations, "The Mongolian
Horse." It was truly touching and I
was moved that he took the time.
Friday,
we entered the Keith Ball Show at Thunder
Road. More networking and mingling with
spectators. Jim and I did another camera
interview, and also mentioned the next
build that would be my own personal bike.
The interview went well, I could get use to
this! The "Er Hed" once again won "Best of
Show!" Three out of three shows entered
were won. It was truly amazing and Jim
Giuffra is ridiculously talented with an
unbelievable work ethic, he deserved every
win.
After
the last show it was time to hit the road
back home to California. We had our last
meal in Sturgis, buffalo steaks, so
yummy. Then a little shopping,
and pictures of main street. I was still in
awe, at the mere spots of concrete in
between all the metal and chrome, bikes
went on forever...
As
we made the travels home Jim and I talked a
lot about my bike. He asked me what I
would want to name it. I have named
plenty of horses, dogs and cats, but a
bike? After several moments, it came
to me. My alter ego that I had joked about
through out the years. The part of me
that is rebellious and doesn't care
what people think. The sexy and provocative
girl with no fear, motivated by
adventure and the quest to live life
like she means it. The
name of this alter ego
is... LowLa, and that will be the name
of my bike.
I
am so grateful to work for AFT Customs and
Jim Giuffra. I get to work with really nice
girls, Melanie, Elaina, Kyle, Sara,
Jeanine,and Andrea who all also happen to
be beautiful and professional. I look
forward in getting greasy with them as
we all take part in the building
of LowLa.
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(209)
223-3848