Trail of Tears Ride: Sept. 17th 2011

The Trail of Tears Rememberance Ride, every year on the third Saturday in September commemorates the forced relocation of American Indians in the 1830's from the Southeast to reservations in Oklahoma. For some it was a walk of 800 miles and a journey of three months without food or water. Many suffered from the elements, starvation and disease. More than 4,000 Cherokees and countless other Indians died along the way. Photographer Kelly Roper Gillespie - Bent Mind Photography joins many of her Native American family for this ride. "This truly is one event your soul feels clean leaving from," she said in a recent interview.

"Last year, I could not get over the colors of mustard yellow contrasting the blue sky and I was extremely impressed with the areas that were set up for the riders along the way."

"I truly was overwhelmed at the amount of bikes in one area. GREAT vendors, great shows and historical stories from the tribe members."

"It's just so hard to show the true amount of bikes and people, so for this reason, I am bringing a wide angle lens with me this year."


The ride was started in 1994 by Bill Cason of Whitwell, Tennessee in an effort to have the historic route recognized. "It started out, I just wanted to make enough money to put a sign up on the highway," Cason said in a video interview. "Now, 17 years later, we have hundreds of signs and more than $230,000 has gone to scholarships for Native Americans."

Click map to enlarge for details.

Join the ride en-route or join ride-ins Sept. 16th in Alabama, Georgia and Kentucky.

More than 150,000 motorcycle riders now participate in the original 225 mile ride from the historic Ross's Landing in Chattanooga, Tennessee to attend a Native American Festival PowWow at McFarland Park in Florence, Alabama. The line of motorcycles rolling into Florence was 50 miles long in 2007, according to local law officials.

But for the past 10 years, hundreds of members in this group have continued their ride to reach Native American destinations in Oklahoma. 

Trail of Tears Remembrance Association, Inc., created in 2007 continues to educate the public about the Trail of Tears Removal Act of 1838 and also provides Native American scholarships that assist the five civilized tribes of North America (Cherokee, Choctaw, Chickasaw, Creek, and Seminole nations) in the Southeast and Oklahoma.

Over a four day period this ride covers not just one trail, but several. The ride touches upon the Drane/Hood Route, The Bell Route, The Benge Route and The Northern Route and crosses eight states to create a remembrance of the many different tribes of Native American People.


This video interview with Bill Cason was made in 2010 by THV-Arkansas.

For more information go to these Trail of Tears websites: TrailOfTears-Remembrance.org
or AL-TN-TrailOfTears.net.
 

 

Craig Metros' Bikes, Hot Rods & Motorcycle Art Shop

Factory 6: Craig Metros from Fuel Tank TV on Vimeo.

Craig Metros is a Detroit born car designer, artist and hot rod builder. Craig moved to Melbourne, Australia five years ago on an international work transfer and recently opened a shop with some fellow Ford Motor Company design buddies.

The six-man shop produces custom motorcycles, hot rods and Craig's brand of art that is heavily influenced by his love of bikes and rods. This brand new video interview with Ford Chief Designer, Craig Metros was co-produced by Luke Ray (Fuel Magazine) and Tom Broadhurst (Bandit Films) for Fuel Tank TV in Melbourne. Enjoy!

West Coast Art Show Features Classic & Rare Motorcycles

Dozens of classic motorcycles of all brands and eras will be on display through July 23rd at Coos Art Museum in the south coastal town of Coos Bay, Oregan. The "Thunder in CAM" exhibit opens with a reception on Friday night, June 10th 2011.

Featured motorcycles will include such rarities as a 1914 Cyclone, one of only three known to exist, and such all time classic motorcycles as the 1948 Indian Chief. The show will also feature an overview of Harley-Davidsons from 1911 through 2011.

The "Thunder in CAM" exhibit will also include 62 pieces of contemporary motorcycle art work produced by 35 artists. The invited artists come from 15 states and Canada. The art includes a variety of media from photography to wire sculputure. 

The Cyclone Motorcycle manufactured by Joerns Motor Manufacturing Company of St. Paul, Minnesota had a brief but illustrious career lasting from 1912 through 1917. It left its mark primarily on the board track and dirt track racing circuits of the early 1900s. In 1914, a Cyclone took the one-mile speed record title away from the famed Excelsior motorcycle – also on view in this exhibition. The Cyclones typically painted in Joerns' signature canary-yellow color are visually striking examples of early vintage motorcycles.

The 1948 Indian Chief Motorcycle with its trademark skirted fenders and gold trim is an American classic. With its low, thundering sound, it was one of those bikes that you’d hear before you saw it. The Chief was the last attempt to save the Indian company from the financial troubles it experienced after World War II. The Chief had the style, power, and technology to be one the finest motorcycles of its time.

"Thunder at CAM" (Coos Art Museum) promises to be a major motorcycle and art event, with numerous motorcycle related artifacts and art work occupying both floors of the Museum. The show will open with a reception from 5 to 7 pm on Friday, June 10th that is open to the public. 

Coos Art Museum has been a cultural focal point of Oregon’s scenic Southern Coast since 1966. It occupies an historic 1936 Art Deco US Federal Building in downtown Coos Bay and is open 10am to 4pm, Tuesday through Friday and 1 to 4pm on Saturday. 

Posted by MJ Lloyd Reynolds/MJR Media marketing services for the motorcycle industry - mjr.media@earthlink.net

2011 Riding Into History Images by Jim Dohms

One of America's best Concours motorcycles events is held annually in May at World Golf Village in St Augustine, Florida.

For two days, the large picturesque resort grounds are filled with the sights and sounds of Vintage motorcycles... Riding Into History.

The 12th Riding Into History, May 20 & 21 began with a Friday lunch ride with Grand Prix World Champion Kevin Schwantz. Later in the evening, there was a Grand Marshal Dinner for 150 guests on the World Golf Village grounds. 

Images in this news feature are used by permission from photographer Jim Dohms. Click images to enlarge.

Click here to view a slideshow of Jim Dohm's Riding Into History gallery.

The 2-day gala event raises money for the Wounded Warriors Project that helps combat veterans re-establish their lives.

The Concours on Saturday spotlighted the "Best of Europe" as well as many other rare and special interest vintage bikes.

Artist Don Bradley creates a fine art poster every year for the event.


This magical gathering of vintage bike enthusiasts was started by Billy Aldrich, who began organizing the event as something "good and right to do" soon after his wife was diagnosed with breast cancer.




"Out of desperation 14 years ago, wanting to do something that would make a difference, I decided to work on this and pledge all the money to help in the fight against breast cancer," he said. He worked on the event through her surgery and cancer treatments, and the long healing process. "We raised a ton of money, and sponsored an early-detection program and now today my wife is fine."

 

Two years ago, the women's program was picked up by another sponsor and Riding Into History decided to take on fundraising for the Wounded Warriors Project.


 "We know how much this help is needed. These kids come home all torn up and beat up, and the Wounded Warriors Project does what it takes to get them going again,” said Aldrich.


“We raised $25,000 last year, and hopefully we raised that amount or more this year.”


More information at: RidingIntoHistory.com



Posted by MJ Lloyd Reynolds/MJR Media marketing services for the motorcycle industry - mjr.media@earthlink.net

Southern California: Thy Will Be Done Art Show

Motorcycle engraver Tay Herrera and Big Iron Joe would like to invite you to their third Thy Will Be Done Art Show. This art show was established to showcase individuals in the motorcycle industry who possess an artistic lifestyle. This year they have included tattoo artists and artists from the custom culture industry. Tay and Joe have joined forces with Affliction Clothing Company and the show will be at their newest store in Seal Beach, Ca.

You can purchase fine art from Paul Cox, Trevelen, Sara Ray, Duane Ballard, Tarrera, Pete “Hot Dog “ Finlan, Jack Rudy, Danny Scholz, David Lozeau, Lathisa Wood, Big Iron Joe, Saign Charlerstein, Kirk Taylor, Danny Sikich, Ron Pogue, Buckwild, Rene, Sonny Boy, Neal Moffett, Tewsr, Alex Atman and Will Thompson. The artists will be on site to discuss their pieces.

There is also a raffle with many one off pieces from the artists as well as the grand prize, a 180 Diversion Tig Welder from Miller Electric.

Please join us on June 4, at the Affliction Building, located at 1733 Apollo Court, in Seal Beach Ca from one on. There will be live music and a hot rod show.

For information about the artists and the show, visit ThyWillBeDoneArtShow.blogspot.com

Posted by MJ Lloyd Reynolds/MJR Media marketing services for the motorcycle industry - mjr.media@earthlink.net

Born Free 3 Vintage Chopper Show, California

The Born Free Show on June 25th 2011 at Oak Canyon Ranch in Orange County, California is about the love of old motorcycles and like minded individuals having a good time enjoying each others company & these bikes of the past. The list of participating builders is international - from professional to home-built. This is a family-friendly event - young and old a-like are welcome to come out and enjoy the day.The show is meant to unite people from all walks of life by bringing the passion that we all have of these old machines together for one day.If you come out to the event please be prepared to have a great time,enjoy some vintage bikes..lots of vintage bikes in a peaceful friendly family environment. There will also be a ride to the after-party  a few miles down the road.

You can also buy the event poster for a chance to win at $25k knucklehead.

Details: Born Free Blog.

Here's the updated list of builders from all over the world who are planning to attend:

Andy, Pangea Speed, Triumph -

Barons Speedshop UK/Factory Metal Works Pre Unit Triumph

Bryan Thompson , Pre Unit Triumph - Caleb Owens, Cro Customs, HD

Dave Barker, Speedmetal, Panhead - Dave Polgreen, St Paul, Knucklehead

Gaku Okomizu, Hawgholic, HD - Harpoon, FMA, Knucklehead

Ian Barry, Falcon Motorcycles, Vincent - Irish Rich, Shamrock Fab, HD

Jason Craze, Eternal Combustion, Knucklehead

Jason Weber, ATR, Knucklehead

Jeff Leighton, Wing Nuts MC, Knucklehead

Jeffro, White Knights, Triumph

Jeremiah Armenta, Love Cycles, HD

Joe Lingley,Panhead Dragbike

John Copeland, White Knights, Shovelhead 

John Edwards, Old Tyme Custom Paint, Panhead

Jon Rispante, Las Vegas, Triumph/BSA - Kim Boyle, BCM, Triumph

Kosuke, Sunrise Cycles, Triumph - Max Schaaf, 4Q, Panhead

Mike Olsen, Vista, Knucklehead - Robert Hernandez, AZ, HD

Scott Craig, Chopperville, Knucklehead

Shawn Donahue, Chino, PanShovel

Todd, Small City Cycles, Triumph - Warren Heir, JR Cycle Prod, HD
Event details: http://www.bornfreeshow.com/

David Uhl's Newest Pin-Up Girl Comes To Daytona Bike Week

The 70th Daytona Bike Week is just around the corner – March 4 to 13, 2011 and I can’t wait to see David Uhl’s Vintage Pin-up Series.

David is always set up in front of Destination Daytona and you can usually catch him working on his latest series of paintings. His vintage pin-up series pays tribute to his favorite pin-up artist, Gil Elvgren.

The paintings have a simpler, lighter background that was the popular choice of most traditional pin-up artists.

His previous 4 pin-up prints sold out in a matter of hours. His newest offering is “Clothing Optional,” now available as a hand-signed, numbered canvas print edition. Each print comes beautifully framed with a certificate of authenticity.

I am also looking forward to meeting the  MeanStreet Riders, a group of musician song writers, who ride together. They did the music behind a David UHL video.



Last year, it was "Stella" who came to Daytona Bike Week 2010 with David UHL

Born in a small fishing village in Michigan, David Uhl earned a scholarship to attend the Colorado Institute of Art. An avid Harley owner since 1988, Uhl's passion would soon coincide with his artistic talent. Harley-Davidson Motor Company executives recognized David's creative talents and introduced him to Segal Fine Art, a licensed publisher of Harley-Davidson fine art. 

David spends endless hours in the Harley-Davidson Archives researching vintage photos to use as reference for his official fine art paintings. Captivated by the extraordinary history of the Motor Company, David's desire is to memorialize the legacy.

7th Annual David Mann Chopper Fest, Dec. 12th

Here's a great video collection of David Mann artwork with Bob Seger's Hollywood Nights blasting in the background!

The 7th Annual David Mann Chopper Fest is Dec. 12th in Ventura, California!

Mann's artwork filled the pages of Easy Rider Magazine in the '70s and '80s and he is undoubtedly "The Norman Rockwell of Biker Art."

Details:  chopperfestival.com.

Happy Holidays! Need to send a gift... fasssst?
Amazon Gift Cards - $5, $10, $20, $100.

Sturgis Painting by David Uhl Celebrates 70th Anniversary

The Legends Gallery at Broken Spoke Campground will host a reception at 8 p.m. Aug. 7th for motorcycle artist David Uhl to kick off the  70th Anniversary of Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. The reception is free and open to the public to attend.

David Uhl will be presenting his Sturgis Commemorative Collection of fine art prints, including “70 & Counting” – his newest piece commemorating the 70th Sturgis rally. The exhibit will also feature “Stella” and “Evelyn”, which are the two last pieces in the Women of Harley-Davidson Collection.

David Uhl was born in Toledo, Ohio on September 20, 1961. Early on, David began creating amazing drawings and, by high school’s end, had decided to pursue a career in art. He applied for, and won, the only full-ride scholarship to the Colorado Institute of Art offered to a high school senior in the U.S. He was dissatisfied with the design programs the school offered, yet he excelled at the life drawing and illustration classes. Leaving school after one year, he focused his talents on commercial illustration, eventually forming Uhl Illustration, an award-winning firm servicing many prominent clients such as FedEx, IBM, Coca-Cola and Time magazine.

Acquiring a motorcycle in 1988 and riding to Sturgis, South Dakota, David saw first hand the culture of cycling enthusiasts. He entered the world of Harley-Davidson® apparel (t-shirt designs) with great success. Yet, after a time, David felt there was something missing, artistically.

In the beginning of 1996, after 20 years of producing drawings for commercial clients, David entered the world of oil painting. This radically changed everything. Developing his own unique style, he focused his attention around the turn of the century. In 1998 David conceived of a brand new, yet timeless avenue for Harley-Davidson art; museum quality oil paintings. Harley-Davidson, exhibiting nearly a century of history at the time, was the perfect match. David researched motorcycle imagery from the 1930s and ‘40s. This led to his first work; A Change in the Weather. He flew to Milwaukee to present the painting to Harley-Davidson executives. Over a hundred paintings later David feels he is still in the infancy of his painting career.

The Legends Gallery is located at Broken Spoke Campground, 79 North Highway, Sturgis, South Dakota. Phone: 917-763-1334

David’s main collections include: The Women of Harley- Davidson, Sturgis Commemorative, Daytona Commemorative, 100th Anniversary, The Graceland Project, The Rosenkrans Collection, Aviation and Military, among many others.

David’s artwork is displayed throughout the world, and sought by serious art collectors and celebrities alike. Charles Osgood, of CBS Sunday Morning with Charles Osgood, referred to David as “The Norman Rockwell of Harley-Davidson artists”.

For further details, visit uhlstudios.com.

California Motorcycle Art Show Saturday

This Saturday Only - 3 p.m. July 17th - Motorcycle engraver Tay Herrera and Big Iron Joe will be joined by leather artist Duane Ballard and a cast of other motorcycle artisans at Thy Will Be Done Art Show at Blacksmith Gallery - 1014 North Parker St., Orange, CA.

"This is the second Thy Will Be Done Art Show," said event organizer, Lisa Ballard. "Our aim is to showcase people in the motorcycle industry who enjoy an artistic lifestyle."

Please join Sara Ray, Paul Cox, Latisha Woods, Kurt Taylor, Pete “Hot Dog” Finlan, Buckwild, Ron Pouge, Kristina Pamias, Duane Ballard, Tay and Big Iron Joe for a night like no other. Spend quality one-on-one time with the artists as they discuss their artwork. Special guest Saign Charlestein and Warren Heard will have pieces on display. All of the artwork in the Blacksmith Gallery can be purchased.

We're raffling off a Miller Electric arc station valued at $650, a bronze piece done by Tay which is valued at $500. Also Joe has donated a one off sword that is valued at $250.00. There are also various art pieces done by TWBD artists. Raffle tickets are only $5.00 each. The first 500 people get a free show poster with each raffle ticket purchased!

Sponsors include Bikernet.com, Miller Electric, Weatherby, King’s Fish House, Oxygen Service Company, Iwata and the Perfect Circle Cupcakery.

Details: thywillbedoneartshow.blogspot.com