RIP Nick Curran

I got the sad news on Sunday that Nick Curran had succumbed to cancer at the age of 35. I didnt know him well but had met him in passing a few times. He was always a friend of a friend. My old band shared the stage with him a few times when he played with Kim Lenz & The Jaguars and Ronnie Dawson. Several of my friends that knew him well posted rememberances on Facebook. One picture circa 1997 in particular was striking. Nick is playing my roomate's guitar, a Peavey T-10 while Lisa Pankratz plays drums and Nic Roulette sings. My roomate Hank is sitting in the background wearing one of my shirts. I have a hazy recollection of that night, but I am sure I was there. Even though Nick was 7 years my junior he put out 5 solo albums, played on the albums of others, was the lead guitarist of the Fabulous Thunderbirds for two years and had several side projects. I listen to his stuff and marvel at his guitar chops as well as that amazing voice, a combination of Little Richard, Wynonie Harris and Howlin Wolf. It is pretty sobering that someone from my generation of musicians, within my wider circle is gone. If there is any takeaway I have from Nick Curran's passing is that life is short, live it, do what you want, follow your dreams and dont die with regrets. Thanks for the reminder dude, RIP.

Choppers and submachine guns

At a a party last night a bunch of us were standing around drinking beer and discussing bikes. The sub-topics ranged from the intricacies of building Shovelheads, Japanese industrial machinery and various aspects of vintage parts. One comment struck me as somewhat odd; a friend showed me pictures of his recently completed Sportster chopper and said that he was going to sell it because it wasnt "cool" anymore. After Born Free and The Brooklyn Invitational I was very favorably impressed and excited to see a local cat build a bike that had the same bespoke look. I even mentioned that I'd like to shoot it for magazine. "The 60's style chopper is over, all the hipsters are into it", or something to that effect he said. I understand where he was coming from. It is a bit annoying to see the choads in skinny jeans and scarves riding choppers, running up prices on parts and generally diluting the cloistered pool of coolness. But as someone who writes about bikes and has friends who build bikes, make parts and sell accesories, I see those people as a mark of success. For every 1000 metrosexual beardos there is one guy like me trying to make a few bucks and indulge his asthetic calling. Since I was a kid I have been attracted to things that share the same sense of subversive and adventurous danger. Hammer Horror movies, punk rock, metal, Kurt Vonnegut, military history, rockabilly, southern culture, race cars, guitars, Billy Childish, choppers, submachine guns, these are the things that merit my endless fascination and where all of my other wanderings and interests begin. Maybe it is the result of being raised by a family of blue collar hillbillies relocated to a midwestern factory town where cars, bikes, guns, alcohol, country music and stories of overseas service were a pervasive part of daily life. I feel like I was lucky to get the tail end of the old breed, so I try to live my life as an homage while exploring what trips my trigger. It's not always easy, but it is always rewarding. I suppose what I am saying is there some things that I will always dig no matter where I am in life. But it is jarring to think that for some people what I hold hold dear is merely just a whistle stop on the journey of life. I pity them.

Lining up the winter project(s)

Yeah, I know I should pick just one and not get too overly ambitious. I openly acknowledge that I am a daydreamer and given to flights of fancy. At any rate, I have 3 different projects in mind. First on the list would be hardtailing my Ironhead. But which hardtail to use? David Bird? This a really nice bolt on, well engineered and high quality. It would require the minimum of fabrication and at around $300 the price is right. I'm less than stoked on the drop off that bends down the line of the backbone. But I haven't seen any pics that I "love". I'd probably go with 6" stretch, 2" drop. Led Sled? I like the lines way better, but it's almost 2x the David Bird hardtail, requires some exact cutting, needs to be welded and will still need an oil tank, different brake caliper, battery box and relocating/hiding the ignition components. It's a better result, but more expensive. I also think it might be cool to extend the swingarm, add extended forks, 2-into-1 exhaust, etc. That way I wouldnt have to mess with any of the stock oil system, ignition, etc. I really like Okun's swingarm shovel, a lot... Second on my list would be building a bike around my SB&F The Frame and my cheapo Evo Sporty mill. But jeez, that is a A LOT of fabrication and I am no fabricator. The old guy who sold me the motor isn't returning my calls as of yet. So, I maybe I should just sell all of it to someone who knows what they are doing and pour my time/ money into something more attainable? Lastly, I have been dreaming about getting a van for the last year and a half. I finally have some extra cash and found what I am looking for. Its a little rough, but the price is very right. It could be exactly what I want and worthy of my attention...

So, here I am, a dreamer with a couple different dreams itching to get into something new for the winter. Which road to take?

I foresee a week of terrible NYC withdrawals ahead...

Brooklyn 2012

Another great year of amazing bikes, good friends and great times...

Foggy Morning Drive

Visibility was a quarter mile or less at times. I missed two turns on roads that I am very familiar with. By the time I had got to the reservoir, where I expected the fog to be thick, it had lifted. This has been the oddest summer for weather; first a drought, then a tropical storm rains out Labor Day weekend, now these soupy fogs and hot humid days normally rare in September. Come on Autumn...

New Project and old parts

I picked up a mid 90s Evo Sportster 5-speed bottom end and assorted parts at a yard sale last week for a ridiculously low amount. I also got some wheels, a fat bob tank and other bits. I am supposed to meet with the old guy who sold it to me next week. He says he has the rest of the motor, fenders and more tanks in storage. Turns out he is an auctioneer and, "Comes across this kind of stuff all the time". I suppose I have finally found a use for my SB&F frame at long last. I ordered a set of cheap 35mm trees from eBay. I got 2 19" wheels in the deal. I think I will use those front and back with dual disc forks and a Honda drum. 35 degree rake, 6" over forks, hidden fork stops, pull backs, simple pipes and hidden battery should give it a nice late 70s feel. I am chomping at the bit to see what the rest of the motor parts might be. Of course I'd like to build a monster 90 incher, but realistically I will settle with a cheapo 1200 so I dont have to split the cases. I've got my eye on some other parts too. Now I just need to find someone to weld up the frame. This should be easy, right?