Monthly Archives: January 2011

Turn Up the Heat!

I saw the temperature hit 41 degrees today. What did I do? Kelly and I jumped on our bikes and took off for a ride! I cannot WAIT for warm weather again. What has been going on that I need to update the world about (or the seven viewers that actually read my garbage)? Let’s see… Brandon expanded his shop at Insane Chrome Customs – they went from a 1,400 square-foot shop to just over 3,000 square-feet. Why the expansion? Stay tuned, they have something VERY interesting up their sleeve.

Johnny McQueen has been inducted into our riding group, the Shameless Riders. Congratulations, Johnny, we’re glad to have you as a part of our group. I know you’ll represent us well when you move to Tennessee. While we’re on riding, there has been a slight delay in getting my motorcycle in at Lexington Custom Cycles. I’m quite alright with it – the guys over there are working on April’s rear fender and molding it into a piece of perfection. Ever see a Honda Rebel with gangster fenders? You will soon enough! I should have my bike over there on Wednesday and at Brandon’s shop the following week for some amazing work… pics to follow.

It’s interesting how life changes things. I had a “My Name Is Earl” moment earlier this week with someone who I hurt a couple years ago. It’s amazing how a simple heartfelt apology can change things so much. I’ve been doing a LOT of thinking about life over the last year or so and while I still intend on having as much fun as possible, you can look for some interesting changes in my future. I’ve achieved most of my goals that I’ve set for myself, but I’ve been keeping the best for last.

And most importantly, let’s not forget about my 32nd birthday party at the end of the month. We have an impressive guest list already and several good friends are coming in town to join the celebration. I hope to see you there.

Time to Customize

There’s more snow in the forecast. I don’t know about you, but I think it’s aggravating. I must admit, I enjoy the first brisk morning in the fall. Seems to make coffee taste better that day. I like the first frost because it cuts down on the bug population. And I like the first big snow of the season. But after that, I’m ready for fun in the sun, t-shirts, and bike weather.

I figure now is as good of time as any to work on my motorcycle. Since things at Kodiak fell apart, I’ve been debating on what my next steps were. Then I met Bill Hall, owner of Lexington Custom Cycles. After talking with him for about an hour, we came up with an excellent plan for my bike that includes the following:

  • Lowering the bike 1-2″
  • Chopping the rear fender to lose the excess material that I despise
  • Integrating new turn signals and brake light
  • Building a custom curb burner exhaust that points downward and dumps out just before the passenger foot peg

From there, the bike is going to one of my best friend’s shops, Insane Chrome Customs, to change everything that is shiny chrome to black chrome. I know the previous owner put a LOT of money in chrome, but it’s just not for me. There are several steps Brandon Nichols and David Deering will have to do:

  • Disassembling the bike to get all chrome pieces apart
  • Spraying “black chrome” base coat and clear coat on all chrome pieces
  • Re-assembling the entire motorcycle
  • Spraying “black chrome” on the fenders and gas tank
  • Designing/painting a custom tribal design on the tins

I’m also hoping while it’s there I will be able to add some new parts to the bike:

  • 6 degree rake kit
  • New handlebars (hoping for ape hangers, but not sure if I can afford the lines)
  • New grips
  • More accent lighting

If you can’t tell, I’m extremely excited to get this work done. I am really looking forward to the 2011 riding season. I know my roommate, Kelly Brandon, thinks it’s already riding season (he’s been out on his bike for the last 7 days straight regardless of how cold it is), but he’s a little off his rocker anyway. He’d have to be to live with me!

Anyway, if you have any customizing you’d like to do, the two shops I talked about are the best in the area. Unlike other shops I’ve worked with, things get done on time and under budget and everything is hassle-free. If I can help get you in touch with them, let me know.