Handbuilt Show in Austin, TX
After being at the Handbuilt Show last year, I wasn’t sure the folks at Revival Cycles could out do themselves. Well I’ll be damned if they didn’t. As with last year, there was something for everyone who loves motorcycles. The Land Speeder bike from Revival and the Musket from Maxwell Hazan were both on display and are now going into a private collection. So who knows if they’ll be on public display anytime soon. So having seen those was one of my big drives to make the show again. The rest of the show only had the best of cafes, trackers, resto-mods, complete restorations, chopper and several that just don’t fit in any category.
Across the street truckloads of dirt arrived and a flat track was in place, albeit the smallest flat track you could imagine. On the side the Wall of Death was going full bore every hour with these daredevils continuing to thrill audiences young and old. There were a couple of delicious food trucks vending and inside a couple of bars slinging cocktails and beer.
What can’t be put into words is the vibe. There was something about the weather, the steady stream of alcohol, bikes, art and Sarah Lahalih that was magical. Getting to meet some of these master builders who were more than happy to share their creations and not seem to tire was great. If you didn’t make it this year and only saw it on social media, do yourself a favor, start saving to get down there next year. I’m going to be there because I’m confident the Revival crew are going to once again out do themselves and I don’t want to miss it.
Vintage Steele Motorcycles in Brattleboro, Vermont
When I was in Vermont on my road trip, I spent a few days with Josh, Chris and Alison at Vintage Steele. I asked if I could take some pictures of the Norton Commando they'd built.
They just got featured on SiloDrome.com if you want to see the pictures I took for them. Well done guys, it's a sweet assed bike.
Shooting for 1903 Magazine in Ft Walton, Florida
I spent the weekend on the gulf shore of Ft Walton, Florida for 1903 Magazine. They asked if I could go down and get some pictures of the Emerald Coast Earthquake being put on by Emerald Coast Harley. Not one to pass up on a trip that involves the ocean and motorcycles, I was southbound.
While there were certainly a lot of bikes, not really any custom Harleys like I'd hoped for. Hell, I don't think there was a Harley there without a belt drive. Still, I got some good pictures of some really beautiful bikes.
Ace Corner at Barber Vintage Days 2015
Holy shit was Ace Corner a great place to be this year. Again, put on by Dime City Cycles and Ace Cafe– and this year Royal Enfield was added the line up. Being the only place selling alcohol, with prime seating on the hill under the trees at turn 17, that alone makes it a great place to be. It’s also where to enter your custom cafe or vintage bike for a chance to win a trophy in several categories.
At the bottom you could see builds by Walt Seigl Motorcycles, and the good folks from Xcrambler. Cool goods could be gotten from the likes of Ace Cafe Orlando, Grifter Gloves, and Red Torpedo to name a few. Then there were the bikes. Man oh man, all the bikes. People from all over the country come riding one-of-a-kind machines, and this year they were out in spades.
Barber Vintage Days is one of the top annual motorcycling events to attend. After 11 years, it continues to grow and expand. If you haven’t been before, it should definitely be on your list– and Ace Cafe continued to evolve into the VIP spot at Barber.
