3D Model Renderings!

Calvin Piorkowski is a man of many talents. Not just the knowledge of building bikes but also for graphic design work. He put together a couple of renderings for me based on what I told him I want. He was able to take the measurements from the TC Bros hardtail kit and apply it to the 3d model to see how we'll be able to modify this already complex frame. The only thing that will be original will be the front half of the engine cradle. Below is what I'm dreaming the Snake Shaker will look like.

Sportster buckhorns, slight rake, 4" over tubes, fake horseshoe oil tank for battery and other electrical stuff. The rear wheel location will be moved forwards 3-4." Lastly, the stock steam roller rear wheel will be replaced with a CB750 hub laced to a Harley 16" rim.

Pretty cool, right? Cal also helped develop a simplified wiring diagram. I pretty much have everything I need to really get started. Can't wait!

For Judy

I MADE MY FIRST OFFICIAL CUT INTO THE BIKE.

It was like carving a cake... but with a sawzall.

From day one of getting the bike I wanted to cut that bulky butt-brace off. There is so much excess hoses and tubing on the bike too. Staying true to chopper dreaming, the simpler the better, it's all going in the trash. The 90's were such a weird time. So much plastic and so much bulk. Unnecessary plastic pieces filled the garbage pile.

CUTTING OFF FROG LEGS

Joe was so excited about cutting the frame. We are planning to get rid of the whole rear end of the bike and installing the TC Bros hardtail kit. I can see where the bike is really headed now. I'm so stoked. The bike is going to look so good and I feel like my soul NEEDS this work.

We mocked up some parts hanging around and my heart skipped a couple of beats. 

Alas, Cal directed and I worked on removing nuts and bolts. I even saw the bike bleed green blood everywhere (coolant). We removed the radiator and the rest of the wiring. I held the carburetor in my hands. It's a pretty cool feeling, opening the guts up and see how the system works. I held the wiring like a central nervous system. I believe to truly understand something, I like to see each part and what it does. 

As the day ended, we received some sad news about Ben's mom, Judy. She had been fighting pancreatic cancer for awhile and passed. A stillness kind of overcame us. Some of you may know, I lost my mom to cancer last May, so my heart bled for Ben. It's in times like these, you can't help but feel compassion. When my mom died I wasn't even sure if I could imagine myself enjoying things that I loved. I made myself ride to Babes Ride Out and it was a decision that helped me heal. When people we love so dearly pass, it's hard to picture a life without them. 

However, I found that it's never really "without". It's within. We carry these people within us. The people who pass live through us and we share moments of their memories while we make new ones. I talk to my mom all the time when I'm riding. I'm pretty sure she makes sweet traffic breaks for me and tells me to slow down around curves. 

We can't control pain or grief but we can control how we handle it. we offer comfort to those who have just lost. Ben, I can't say its easy but I can say, I will carry the weight with you. 

Cal and I were at the bar when we got the news. Only made sense to have a shot for Judy

So, as I leave this blog post on a bit of a somber detail, remember that when we ride, we feel life. Life is the most fragile thing. Build the bikes you want to build. Ride until you feel content, and tell the ones you love dearly, that you would move mountains for them (Calvin).

Joe and Judy at the Fuel Cleveland show last summer. She made the very long trek from Delaware to Ohio with her daughters, Amy and Tracy, just to see Ben's bike in the show. She was so incredibly proud of him.

Here is to you, Judy.

Another One for the Books!

Cheap Thrills was FANTASTIC!

I had a great time seeing familiar faces and meeting new ones. I love the motorcycle community. It's so refreshing to be around especially during the winter blues. I wish I brought my camera and captured the bikes on display. There was a Honda chopper in the show which lead me to a new goal......

ENTER THE SNAKE SHAKER IN NEXT YEAR'S CHEAP THRILLS SHOW!

I couldn't imagine seeing my name as a builder. I'm trying not to get too ahead of myself, but could you imagine? I would love to enter...

Asbury Park holds a lot of memories dear to me.  My family vacationed there for years, so I feel as though every wave has a memory tied to it. Every grain of sand has love etched into the texture. It's cool to see it when the season is down, although I love the summer, seeing it in winter makes you appreciate the stillness more.

A picture I took on the beach last summer

We were vendors again this year and our booth was neighboring Sarah (@wild__belle) towards the stage. For those who don't know Sarah, She is a really cool chick who works leather pieces and sells some vintage attire.

She is extremely bad ass and super friendly to talk to. She worked her booth alone and it was pretty inspiring to watch her in action. Many people don't know how hard it is to sell or market your wares. You also have to have the energy and the ability to multi-task. Not only was she selling, but she was also working on more items and sewing leather. Major kudos to this girl. It's very easy to start talking to her, and she has an incredible back story to an accident that happen and changed her life. Later on, I saw her Instagram story and she was cleaning up the beach and throwing away garbage.

Vending the Retrofit booth is always a blast. Meeting new people, watching deals being made is a pretty cool experience. This year, I have to brag about Cal's tank mounts he made. They are pretty neat looking. They are a weld-on tank front mount for '74-'81 sportsters that give your sportster that "Frisco" look. They look cast but are actually 4 pieces welded together and finished to look it's cast one piece. If interested in purchasing contact Cal (@retrofitcycleworks)

Well here is to another great event with great people!

Thanks to Walter and Dusty for an event that helps kick the "Winter Blues":) 

 UNTIL NEXT YEAR........

CHEAP THRILLS

This weekend is Cheap Thrills in Asbury park!

I've been thinking of selling a few items that have been following me around for far too long. I also watch a few episodes of hoarders and I want to clear out clutter.. It's so easy for me to hoard gear. 

Along with a few other knickknacks.

I'm excited to see familiar faces, especially since I have a large amount of friends who are vending the event. I've been looking forward to this for weeks, just to hang out on a Saturday ( I usually work) relax, see old faces, meet Instagram gal friends, talk shop... To say I'm excited is an understatement. 

Speaking of motorcycles, don't you miss the summer?

I figured my next post will be about what to bring for camping trips.

A side note,  WORK THE SNAKE SHAKER STARTS NEXT WEEK!!!


on ward and upward!

MUNDY BUILDS A CHOPPER