MEET DEE SNIDER

TWISTED SISTER

Dee Snider is an American singer-songwriter, screenwriter, radio personality and actor most famous for his role as the frontman of the heavy metal band Twisted Sister. He has been ranked 83 in the Hit Parader’s Top 100 Metal Vocalists of All Time. He joined Twisted Sister in 1976, helping bring the world hits such as “We’re Not Gonna Take It” and “I Wanna Rock.”

He has also been a television personality, hosting Heavy Metal Mania on MTV in the ‘80s and later, with his wife and family, on reality show Growing Up Twisted on A&E.

After Twisted Sister disbanded in 1986, Dee made his way into film, writing and starring in his big-screen debut, Strangeland, in 1998, followed shortly thereafter by Strangeland 2: Cult of Personality. After wrapping the film, he took to making appearances on TV shows, including a cameo in an episode of The Drew Care Show, KISS Loves You, and Metal: A Headbanger’s Journey.

In 1997, Snider began hosting The House of Hair, a syndicated 1980s hard rock/heavy metal radio show that has continued to air to this day on over 200 radio stations across North America.

In addition to his radio show, Dee has an active solo music career. His most recent album “For the Love of Metal” was released in 2018 and produced such metal masterpieces as  “For The Love of Metal,” “I am The Hurricane,” “Tomorrow’s No Concern” and many more.

MEET TOM BERENGER

ACTOR

Tom Berenger is an actor who’s worked in blockbuster Hollywood movies, soap operas and TV miniseries. He had a starring role as lawyer Tim Siegel on One Life to Live and appeared in films including “Platoon,” “Rush It,” “Looking for Mr. Goodbar,” “In Praise of Older Women,” “Butch and Sundance: The Early Days,” “The Big Chill,” “Someone to Watch Over Me,” “Major League,” “Born on the Fourth of July,” “Chasers,” “Gettysburg,” “Training Day,” “Inception” and many others. In 1986, he received an Academy Award nomination for his portrayal of Staff Sergeant Barnes in Platoon (this performance won him a Golden Globe Award for "Best Supporting Actor"). A role for which he has become well known for is Thomas Beckett, the main character in the mid-1990s film “Sniper,” which would later be followed by four sequels, featuring Berenger in the starring role for three. Berenger stars with Keith David, Gina Gershon, Penelope Ann Miller, Jeff Fahey, and Bruce Dern in the upcoming film "AMERICAN DRESSER,” directed by Carmine Cagialosi, that’s scheduled for release Summer 2017.

MEET SHANNON AIKAU

HISTORY’S “COUNTING CARS”
COUNT’S KUSTOMS

Born on the island of Oahu in Hawaii, Shannon of Counts Kustoms is the bike shop manager and a regular on the hit show "Counting Cars." He's been working with Danny “The Count” Koker for 20 years, and has built over 300 bikes including Danny’s first bike, “Tattoo.” In 1998 he constructed Danny’s everyday bike which he named “Coffin.

MEET HORNY MIKE

HISTORY’S “COUNTING CARS”
COUNT’S KUSTOMS

“Horny Mike” is a talented airbrush artist who loves to put 3-D horns on everything, and a regular on HISTORY's hit TV show "Counting Cars." Danny “The Count” Koker of Count’s Kustoms relies on Mike to bring “out-there” ideas to life and provide advice whenever an extraordinary project comes through the shop doors.

MEET RYAN EVANS

HISTORY’S “COUNTING CARS”
COUNT’S KUSTOMS

Ryan is the head painter and graphic artist for Count’s Kustoms, where he has been painting for 20 years. He is also a regular on the hit HISTORY TV show "Counting Cars."

MEET MICHAEL LICHTER

MICHAEL LICHTER PHOTOGRAPHY

Michael Lichter started photographing custom Harley-Davidsons and the biker-lifestyle in the 1970s. By 1980, he was working with Easyriders Magazine, and his continuing contributions have earned him international recognition. Lichter is credited with 10 books on motorcycling, more than 1200 magazine articles, numerous calendars, advertisements, posters and other printed materials. While Lichter continues to operate his commercial photography business from Boulder, Colo., his shooting takes him around the nation and the globe. Since 2000, Lichter has become increasingly involved in exhibiting his photographic art in galleries and museums, both in the US and abroad. This work has also been profiled in motorcycle and photography magazines and several television documentaries, as well as by Nikon cameras. The annual Motorcycles as Art™ display Michael curates for the Sturgis Buffalo Chip has become the most celebrated exhibition of its kind.

MEET ROD WOODRUFF

STURGIS BUFFALO CHIP®

Rod “Woody” Woodruff is the President and CEO of the Legendary Sturgis Buffalo Chip. Since its beginnings in 1981, Woody has transformed what was once 20 acres of leased land into a 600-acre entertainment destination. Top name entertainment acts consistently fill The Chip’s concert lineup year after year, including icons like Aerosmith, Bob Dylan, Kid Rock and Ozzy Osbourne. Woodruff practiced law and developed real estate for 20 years before retiring and turning all of his time to maintaining one of the top party venues in America. Since then, he has turned the Buffalo Chip into the focal point of the Sturgis Rally. His wife Carol and his children, Daymon and Toni, also assist in the management of the Buffalo Chip.

MEET STEVEN TYLER

AEROSMITH

Steven Tyler is the internationally renowned singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist best known as the lead singer of Aerosmith. Thanks to his years judging “American Idol,” he also became known to a whole new generation of music fans. Tyler’s high screams and wide vocal range helped him earn the monacre the "Demon of Screamin’,” and his on-stage acrobatics, high-energy performances and trademark look have drawn the attention and admiration of millions. Tyler’s performance with Aerosmith at the Sturgis Buffalo Chip® is one many Chip fans will never forget, as it ended with Tyler falling off stage and being air lifted to a nearby hospital for treatment of the resulting shoulder injury.

MEET BIG KENNY

BIG & RICH

William Kenneth Alphin, known professionally as Big Kenny, is a singer, songwriter, humanitarian, farmer, lover of everybody, husband, father, brother, gardener, carpenter, Chief Imagination Officer at the University of Creativity, producer, Muzik Mafia God Father and welder. In 2003, he and John Rich created the Grammy-nominated super duo Big & Rich, which has recorded four studio albums for Warner Bros. Records and charted ten singles on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart. Kenny has written top 10 hits for himself as well as Tim McGraw (“Last Dollar (Fly Away)”), Gretchen Wilson (“Here For The Party”) and Jason Aldean (“Hicktown”, “Armarillo Sky”). He wrote or co-wrote a majority of all four studio albums for Big & Rich and has been named BMI’s Songwriter of the Year.

MEET PAT SIMMONS

THE DOOBIE BROTHERS

Pat Simmons is a musician most well known for being a member of the rock band The Doobie Brothers. Pat remains the band’s only consistent member and has been throughout the band’s existence. He wrote many songs for the band including “South City Midnight Lady,” “Dependin’ On You,” “Echoes of Love” and “Black Water.” When Pat decided to leave the group in 1982, the band temporarily disbanded and he released his first solo album, Arcade. While taking a break from the Doobie Brothers, he formed the band Skin Suit and released a second solo album in 1998, “Take Me to the Highway.” Pat Simmons and the rest of the Doobie Brothers have been a mainstay to the Sturgis Buffalo Chip’s annual Motorcycle and Music Festival, having performed in 1991, 1995, 2010 and 2013. The band will again be entertaining festival goers along with Legends Riders when they return to the Wolfman Jack Stage on Monday, Aug. 7, 2017.

MEET PAUL TEUTUL JR.

BIKE BUILDER & TELEVISION PERSONALITY

Motorcycle master Paul Teutul Jr. has been molding metal into shape since the age of 12, when he began his apprenticeship at his father’s steel business. He’s widely recognized as the chief designer and fabricator of some of the world’s most famous motorcycles, as featured in the hit television series American Chopper on the Discovery Channel.

Although Paul Jr. started his career as cofounder of Orange County Choppers, after branching off, he now shares his creativity and unique approach to design with the world through his work at Paul Jr. Designs. Founded in 2010, his new company pushes the limits on creativity beyond just motorcycles, where Paul continues to pursue his passion for building the impossible.

MEET PAUL TEUTUL, SR.

ORANGE COUNTY CHOPPERS

Thanks to Discovery Channel's hit reality series “American Chopper” and the CMT series “Orange County Choppers,” there are few people who wouldn’t recognize Paul Teutul, Sr. The television series brought the massive, mustachioed father and his custom bike shop, Orange County Choppers, into practically every living room in America. Teutul started OCC in 1999 as a sideline to his steel manufacturing business, but his success building custom motorcycles soon took him from hobbyist to international motorcycle royalty. Teutul was a contestant on season 12 of NBC's “The Celebrity Apprentice” and has appeared on “My Name Is Earl,” “Miami Ink,” “King of the Hill,” “Wild Hogs” and “Celebrity Family Feud” among others.

MEET CAREY HART

FREESTYLE MOTOCROSS RIDER

Carey Hart is one of the most recognized names in all of freestyle motocross. In 1998, the freestyle motocross movement was born with Carey leading the way. From the sport’s inception, Carey has been one of the most innovative riders in the sport. He is the inventor of the Hart Attack, and at the 2000 Gravity Games Carey etched his name in the record books as the first rider ever to complete a back flip on a 250cc motorcycle. The back flip catapulted Carey, and Freestyle Motocross as a whole, to an entirely new level. The stunt got the world’s attention; it was even featured on Ripley’s Believe It or Not! 

Carey has traveled the globe on a quest to put freestyle motocross on the map. His popularity has helped increase exposure for the sport of Freestyle Motocross. He has been featured in nationwide ad campaigns for Ford and Mountain Dew as well as in such print publications such as Paper Magazine, Teen People, EXPN The Magazine, Rolling Stone, and has graced the covers of numerous motocross magazines. Carey has also starred on The Late Show with David Letterman, appeared on The Today Show and has starred in ESPN/Touchstone Pictures’ IMAX film, Ultimate X and has cameo appearances in Columbia Pictures’ XXX and Touchstone Pictures’ Charlie’s Angels II and in the VH1 reality show The Surreal Life.

In addition to these business ventures, he still dedicates significant time to one of his biggest passions, his Supercross team. Carey along with co team owner Ricky Carmichael are leading the way of motocross team sponsorship with their RCH team landing cooperate sponsors like Dodge and Jimmy John. This past year RCH signed Ken Roczen how took the team to its first ever Supercross win and their first win in the motocross series. 

MEET ZAHN MCCLARNON

ACTOR

Actor Zahn McClarnon is best known for his roles as Hanzee Dent in the TV series “Fargo” and as Tribal Police Chief Mathias in the TV series “Longmire.” McClarnon has also appeared in “Into the West,” “Timeless,” AMC’s “The Son” and many more.

MEET CARMINE CANGIALOSI

WRITER/DIRECTOR/PRODUCER/ACTOR

Carmine Cangialosi has worked on a number of television shows such as "Law & Order", "One Life to Live", "Rescue Me", and "Blue Bloods" to name a few. Soon after relocating to Los Angeles, CA he was quickly represented by UTA (United Talent Agency). But it was a trip to Sundance Film Festival when he decided to write/direct/produce/act in his first film "The Beach House" (feature/comedy). The result was an official selection to Stony Brook Film Festival followed by an Audience Choice Award. That lead him to write/direct/produce/act in his next film "Take It Easy Bob" (short/thriller). Both films became official selections of the South Hampton Film Festival as well as the Long Island International Film Expo. Film Expo President Debra Markowitz saluted him at the award ceremony for his uniquely cool vision. Since then, "The Beach House" has been sold and Mr. Cangialosi established his production company "Go With The Flo Films". As "Go With The Flo Films" develops diverse material, Mr. Cangialosi is currently collaborating with Billy Joel and Billy Gibbons on his latest film "AMERICAN DRESSER" starring Tom Berenger, Keith David, Gina Gershon, Penelope Ann Miller, Jeff Fahey, and Bruce Dern. Scheduled for release Summer 2017.

MEET RUPERT BONEHAM

CBS’S "SURVIVOR"
RUPERT’S KIDS

Rupert Boneham is America’s favorite Survivor, as well as the founder of the charitable organization Rupert’s Kids. As a contestant on the hit CBS television show “Survivor,” Rupert gained national fame, which he used to help others. After winning “Survivor: America’s Tribal Council,” he used his million dollar winnings to develop Rupert’s Kids. The organization is dedicated to serving youth who have become too old for the youth social service system, but aren’t yet old enough for the adult social service system. The program teaches its participants valuable skills and trades, while empowering them to discover their inner strengths, passions, and interests. Boneham is no stranger to the Sturgis Rally or the Black Hills, having been a familiar face at the Buffalo Chip for many years. His generosity and his love for motorcycling make him the prototypical biker and a role model for all.

MEET GILBY CLARKE

GUNS N’ ROSES

Gilby Clarke is a guitarist and producer who is best known for his contributions as rhythm guitarist for the legendary rock band Guns N’ Roses. In addition to his time with GNR, Clarke has played with the likes of MC5, Nancy Sinatra, Heart and now Rockstar: Supernova. When Clarke’s not on tour or working in his studio, you might find him nosing around motorcycle and classic car shows. Clarke knows his Harleys; he’s been spotted on them everywhere from Hollywood to the cover of Hot Bike Magazine to the Buffalo Chip’s Legends Ride.

FRANK FRITZ

HISTORY’S “AMERICAN PICKERS”

Frank Fritz is a modern day recycler in the antique collectable field. His interests are old motorcycles, old toys, old cars, and anything that is old and unusual. Fritz grew up in Iowa but has traveled all over this beautiful country, thanks in part to his collecting. He started picking early, collecting rocks and beer cans as a kid. He later worked for many years as a fire and safety inspector but always had a passion for antiques and junk. These days, Fritz spends all his time on the road, digging for treasure in barns, garages and junkyards across America. Even-tempered and affable, he has a way with potential sellers and a knack for putting out fires; many call him the bearded charmer. Fritz does get a little carried away, however, by anything with an engine, and he often has to fight the urge to buy yet another motorbike for his collection.

R. LEE "GUNNEY" ERMEY

ACTOR

A talented character actor known for his military roles, Ronald Lee Ermey was in the United States Marine Corps for 11 years. However, his most famous role came as Gunnery Sergeant Hartman in Stanely Kubrick’s “Full Metal Jacket” in 1987—a role for which he received a Golden Globe nomination. He won the best supporting actor award from The Boston Society of Film Critics. Since then, Gunney has appeared in numerous character roles in such films as “Leaving Las Vegas,” “Se7en” and “Dead Man Walking.” Despite his many dramatic roles, Ermey prefers comedy to drama, and has a comedic role in “Saving Silverman.” Ermey continues to be one of the best characters in the business and you can bet that if his name appears in a movie’s credits, he is going to be top notch no matter the role.

MEET PEE-WEE HERMAN

MOVIE AND TELEVISION ICON

Pee-wee Herman is a comic fictional character created and portrayed by comedian Paul Reubens. He is best known for his two television series and film series during the 1980s. In one of the most memorable scenes from the 1985 film “Pee-wee's Big Adventure,” Pee-wee accidentally knocks over a row of motorcycles outside of a biker bar, enraging members of an outlaw motorcycle club called Satan’s Helpers. After the bikers threaten his life, he wins back their respect by making a last request to play the song “Tequila,” and the club gives him a motorcycle to get him the rest of the way home. “Pee-wee’s Big Adventure” paved the way for the Emmy-Award-winning CBS television series “Pee-wee's Playhouse,” as well as films “Big Top Pee-wee” and a new Pee-wee movie currently in production. Pee-wee’s 2010 participation in the Legends Ride, as well as his time spent at the Buffalo Chip, was filmed for a Funny or Die web video.

MEET HOLLY-HOFFMAN

CBS’S "SURVIVOR"

Holly Hoffman is a South Dakota native who competed in the hit CBS reality show, “Survivor: Nicaragua” in 2010. Holly performed extremely well on the show, advancing all the way to the final four and surviving as the last woman and last Espada member in the game. Her experiences on the program as well as others in her life inspired her to share her message of positivity, determination and confidence with the world. Hoffman is now an accomplished motivational speaker and has authored the book, “Your Winner Within.&rdquo

MEET JOHN DRISKELL HOPKINS

ZAC BROWN BAND

John Driskell Hopkins is best known for his role as a founding member, vocalist, multi-instrumentalist and songwriter for the Grammy Award Winning group Zac Brown Band. Hopkins co-wrote the band’s singles "Toes," "Goodbye in Her Eyes," "Heavy Is the Head.” Hopkins met Zac Brown during an open mic night Hopkins was hosting, and soon after the two began recording and touring the region together. Hopkins spent several months sitting in with Brown while he looked for a bass player, but after the he saw how effortlessly the two could play together, he decided it would become his permanent gig. Hopkins, along with the rest of the Zac Brown Band has performed on the legendary Buffalo Chip’s main stage twice—in 2012 and 2014.

MEET LORENZO LAMAS

LORENZO CYCLES, SANTA MONICA CA

Lorenzo Lamas is the owner and operator of Lorenzo Cycles. He is the son of legendary Argentine actor Fernando Lamas and actress Arlene Dahl. Known internationally as the star of “Falcon Crest,” “Renegade” and “Bold & The Beautiful,” Lamas’ one true love for more than 30 years–second to his children–has been motorcycles. Lorenzo holds a black belt in Tae Kwon Do, is a member of the Martial Arts Hall Of Fame and is a commercially rated pilot of fixed wing and rotary aircraft. He has chaired the Ride For Life, benefiting the World Children's Transplant Fund, and has been a generous supporter of Operation Homefront and other charities that benefit active duty and veterans.

MEET NEAL SCHON

JOURNEY

Neal Schon is rock guitarist, songwriter, and vocalist best known for his work with the bands Journey. Schon is Journey's last original constant member, having participated in every album and tour to date. Before forming Journey, he was a member of the rock bands Santana and Hardline. In addition to Journey’s 14 studio albums, Schon has released five solo albums of his own. He has also worked on a pair of albums with keyboardist Jan Hammer, as well as short-term collaborations with Sammy Hagar and Paul Rodgers, and spent stints with supergroup Bad English.

MEET CRIS SOMMER SIMMONS

MOTORCYCLE HALL OF FAMER

Cris has enjoyed a lifetime love affair with two wheels. An eager passenger on her stepfather’s motorcycle at age 9, she got her first motorcycle (a Yamaha Twin jet 100) at 14, her first Harley at age 19 and has been riding ever since.  She was a longtime member of the Women’s International Motorcycle Association and in 1984, co-founded the 2^nd Chapter of Women in the Wind. In 1985 Cris co-founded the world’s first motorcycle magazine for women called Harley Women. For over 5 years she acted as co-publisher and editor, often riding her motorcycle across the country to find the stories. On one such ride in 1989 she met her husband-to-be, rocker and fellow motorcycle enthusiast, Doobie Brother Patrick Simmons.

For several years starting in the late ‘80s Cris appeared in countless national newspaper articles, radio and television talk shows as a representative and advocate of the growing number of women who rode their own motorcycles. In 1988, she was awarded an Honorary Lifetime membership to Women in The Wind. Cris is a 25 year AMA member, a Lifetime HOG member as well as a Motor Maid and a member of the Antique Motorcycle Club of America. In 1990, she was honored as a pioneering woman motorcyclist in the American Motorcycle Associations’ Women In Motorcycling exhibit.

After selling her interest in Harley Women, Cris began a 15-year stint as a freelance motorcycle journalist, writing extensively for several magazines in the U.S., including American Iron, Motorcycle Collector, Iron Works, Easyriders, V-Twin, as well as magazines in Japan, Spain and in Australia.  Cris penned her own column for over 12 years in the popular Japanese Harley magazine Hot Bike Japan and is currently the women’s editor for American Iron magazine. She also speaks about women in motorcycling at events around the country.

In 1994, Cris wrote and self-published the award winning children’s motorcycle book Patrick Wants to Ride, for which she was honored with the AMA’s Brighter Image MVP Award.

Then, in 1995, Cris was one of 4 women featured in an original documentary on women motorcyclists for Turner Broadcasting called Biker Women.

In 2003, she was proud to be inducted into the National Motorcycle Hall of Fame in Anamosa Iowa and the American Motorcycle Heritage Foundation Motorcycle Hall of Fame in Westerville, Ohio. In 2008 she was inducted into the Sturgis Motorcycle Hall of Fame.

In July of 2009, she released the popular book ‘The American Motorcycle Girls 1900-1950” (which is still one of the top selling motorcycle history books.).  Later that year Cycle Source Magazine named Cris the “Motorcycling Woman of the Year” for 2009.  

In Sept. of 2010, Cris rode her 1915 Harley-Davidson, Effie, 3,200 miles in the pre-1916 motorcycle cross country Motorcycle Cannonball. The grueling 16-day endurance ride started in Kitty Hawk, NC and ended up in Santa Monica, CA. Out of the 45 riders entered, she was one of only two women registered, and the only American woman rider. She made it all the way to Santa Monica and took 20^th place.

In March of 2011, Cris released The Cannonball Diary, a book about her journey riding Effie across the country.

In the Fall of 2013 Cris and her husband Pat rode their 1914 and 1915 Harley-Davidsons 1,000 miles from Sturgis, SD to Milwaukee, WI to celebrate the 110^th Anniversary of Harley-Davidson.

In 2014 the pair also rode the 4,100 mile pre-1937 Motorcycle Cannonball on their 1934 and 1929 Harley-Davidsons. Again in 2016, they both rode the Motorcycle Cannonball again, on their 1914 and 1915 H-Ds from Atlantic City, NJ to San Diego, CA.  The pair are also looking forward to the 2018 Motorcycle Cannonball, (on the same early bikes), riding from Portland, Maine to Portland, Oregon.

MEET DAVID UHL

UHL STUDIOS

David Uhl began creating drawings early, and by the time he graduated high school had decided to pursue a career in art. He excelled at the life drawing and illustration classes at Colorado Institute of Art and soon after graduation formed David Uhl Illustration, an award-winning firm servicing many prominent clients such as FedEx, IBM, Coca-Cola and Time Magazine. Uhl acquired a motorcycle in 1988 and made his way to Sturgis for the motorcycle rally, where he experienced first-hand the culture of cycling enthusiasts. He entered the Harley-Davidson world of apparel with great success. In early 1996, Uhl started oil painting, after 20 years of producing drawings for commercial clients. In 1998, he began exploring a timeless avenue for Harley-Davidson art. After researching motorcycle imagery from the 1930s and ‘40s, Uhl created his first work, “A Change in the Weather.

MEET MIKE WOLFE

HISTORY’S "AMERICAN PICKERS"

Mike Wolfe is an antique shop owner, antique picker, TV personality and author who is best known as the creator and star of the popular History TV show “American Pickers.” Wolfe began picking at the age of six, pulling old bicycles out of his neighbor's own trash. He also began looking for antiques and other hidden treasures before he started elementary school. Wolfe has now been working as a professional picker for over 20 years. For most of those two-plus decades, he went about his business with little fanfare, putting some 60,000 miles on his cargo van each year as he traversed the country in search of cool finds. His anonymity ended in January 2010, with the debut of “American Pickers” - a TV concept he had been pitching to various networks for almost five years before it was picked up by The History Channel. “American Pickers” debuted on The History Channel on January 18, 2010, drawing 7 million viewers. It was TV's highest rated new non-fiction program among adults 25-54 of that year. In its fourth season, it averaged 4 million viewers a week.

MEET ARLEN NESS

ARLEN NESS ENTERPRISES

Arlen Ness bought his first Harley in 1967 with money he won as a semi-professional bowler. Armed with no more than a spray gun and a dream, Ness stripped down his Harley Knucklehead in his own garage and gave it a paint job of his own creation. After many an appraising eye set sight on his work, Ness entered the bike into a custom show where it received first place. Ness was off after that, spending nights in the garage working on a growing list of customers’ bikes. It wasn’t long before he rented his first store on East 14th Street in San Leandro, CA. While still working at his full time job, Ness worked the store in evenings. With his wife Bev doing the books, and his two kids (Sherri and Cory) in tow, he took a big step out onto thin air when he left his job and went out on his own full time. Ness’ refusal to imitate others, his sense of style and his willingness to take risks is still seen today in their slogan: “Always innovative, never imitate.” In March 2003, Arlen Ness and approximately 70 handpicked employees opened the new World Headquarters in Dublin, CA. This 68,000 sq. foot building has a sales showroom, parts development, apparel store, service department, shipping and receiving warehouse, photo studio, museum of Arlen’s famous builds, production area for the new line of Ness Motorcycles, and Arlen’s and Cory’s workshop where you can actually see the masters working their motorcycle magic.

Arlen Ness has been a strong supporter of the Legends Ride and regular face at the event since its inception. He passed away March 22, 2019. Although he will be greatly missed at future events, his spirit will live on through countless bikes you’ll encounter on Deadwood’s Historic Main Street.

MEET JOHN SHOPE

DIRTY BIRD CONCEPTS

John Shope lives and breathes motorcycles. As owner of Dirty Bird Concepts, his inspiring original creations have been compared to sculptures seen in a museum. Before beginning a project, Shope mentally starts with an aerial view of all of the possible components to be considered. He does not draw his work, but rather sees it before he creates it. Since the 1980s, Shope has had a passion for modifying, building and fabricating and started out customizing various models of motorcycles. He has a strong background in sculpture, and many of his pieces have circulated various art museums across the United States. His works of art have graced the covers of many magazines, and he has won many build off competitions. In 2015, Shope joined forces with the Buffalo Chip Challenge™ to create the award-winning John Shope Signature 2014 Indian Chieftain up for grabs in the 2015 Legends Ride Auction.

MEET KRISTY SWANSON

ACTRESS

Acclaimed actress Kristy Swanson will again be bringing her star power and charisma to the 2015 Legends Ride. Swanson has been in multiple blockbuster movies, including “Big Daddy,” and “Hot Shots,” but she is probably best known for her portrayal of Buffy, in the film, “Buffy the Vampire Slayer.” She has also starred in multiple television shows, in addition to guest appearances she’s made in such shows as “Just Shoot Me,” “CSI Miami,” and “Law and Order: Criminal Intent.” Swanson had very little interest in bikes before she met her husband, two-time Olympic bronze medalist and motorcycle enthusiast, Lloyd Eisler. Swanson purchased a Can Am Spyder and immediately fell in love with the open road. Along with her love of riding, she is equally passionate about helping others, as displayed by her involvement with charities like the Wounded Warrior Project and the Iraq Star Foundation.

MEET JOHN PAUL DEJORIA

ENTREPRENEUR, PHILANTHROPIST

John Paul DeJoria is a first-generation American entrepreneur, philanthropist, life-long biker and pillar of the business community. He has struggled against the odds not only to achieve success, but to share his success with others, always living his motto: “Success unshared is failure.” DeJoria overcame poverty and homelessness, parlaying $700 into a $3.5 billion fortune. Co-founder of Paul Mitchell hair care products and Patrón Tequila, he went from sleeping in cars to owning a luxury train car. He has appeared on “Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous,” exchanged ideas on world peace with the Dalai Lama and trained the FBI on the culture of change. He has been honored for his philanthropic and humanitarian efforts with numerous awards for his work supporting the homeless, renewable energy, sustainability, disadvantaged youth and human rights. He also holds a seat on the New York Stock Exchange. As a steward of the planet John Paul is always trying to help his fellow man. With this in mind John Paul has launched two new companies, ROK and Aubio, which he feels will improve the lives of many people. In 2011, John Paul signed Bill Gates and Warren Buffet’s “The Giving Pledge” as a formal promise to continue giving back. The same year, he established JP’s Peace, Love & Happiness Foundation as a hub for his charitable investments, which support the core values of his companies: sustainability, social responsibility and animal friendliness.

MEET CORY NESS

ARLEN NESS ENTERPRISES

Cory Ness is both the business and key design arm of Arlen Ness Enterprises. Raised in steel and chrome, he has a unique perspective of the motorcycle industry. Only one person rivals his success in custom-designed motorcycles: his father Arlen. Born with the Ness innovation gene, Cory Ness is the chief designer behind all that is the Arlen Ness Enterprises today. He runs the day-to-day business and designs new parts and accessories, yet he still finds time to design his own style of motorcycle. His award-winning innovations can be seen on covers and spreads in national and international motorcycle magazines, and have made appearances at all major international custom bike shows. His keen business sense has seen Arlen Ness Enterprises open two stores in Miami and Daytona and form a partnership with Victory Motorcycles, which now features a line of Arlen Ness signature motorcycles. Cory also creates a directory of these innovations in a nearly 250-page catalog filled with thousands of custom Arlen Ness creations for Harleys and a Cruiser catalog that will soon rival the Original.

MEET ZACH NESS

ARLEN NESS ENTERPRISES

It’s clear to see that Zach Ness comes from a long line of legendary custom bike builders. As the third generation of Ness builders, Zach has the opportunity to learn from the best of the best. Although he learned from his father and grandfather, Zach’s personal style is very different from that of his family. But several Ness accessories do always find a way to identify his work as a Ness motorcycle. His style comes through

MEET JOSH OWENS

DISCOVERY'S MOONSHINERS

Lumberjack, biker, moonshiner, and all around madman, Josh splits his time between South and North Carolina. Long before he became a moonshiner, Josh had a career as a professional superbike and motocross racer. These days, Josh's motorcycle time is spent on the road with his dog Cutie Pie riding shotgun on the handlebars.

MEET LLOYD EISLER

OLYMPIC BRONZE MEDALIST

Lloyd Eisler is a Canadian pair skater. With partner Isabelle Brasseur, he was the 1992 and 1994 Olympic bronze medalist and the 1993 World Champion. Eisler is married to actress and fellow Legends Rider Kristy Swanson. The two met after being partnered together on the television program “Skating with Celebrities.

MEET DAWN POLLARD

Dawn DeGasperis Pollard is a Colorado native with a love for motorcycles and has been riding her own custom V Star for many years now. She is currently shopping for her next custom bike! Dawn spent 13 years as a highly sought after hairstylist in Denver and worked alongside Playboy Golf in organizing their celebrity charity golf tournaments and events. She is a model, host and event promoter. In addition to being a step mom, Dawn is currently working as the booking agent and coordinator for her husband, Scot Pollard. Dawn and her husband Scot attend, host, participate in, donate to and raise funds for a variety of charities and events including the School of Education at the University of Kansas, the KU athletic fund, Coaches vs. Cancer, Susan G Komen breast cancer events, Grant Napear's Fairway To The FUTURE Golf Tournament, NEA's Read Across America and the The Willow Domestic Violence Center.

Follow Dawn on Twitter: @DawnMPollard

MEET SCOT POLLARD

Scot Pollard is a retired NBA basketball player who played 11 years for five teams. He finished his career by winning the 2008 NBA Championship with the Boston Celtics. In 2002, he had a custom motorcycle built by Carl Brouhard Designs to fit his 7' frame. It made the cover of V-Twin magazine in March 2003. Since then, he has been an avid rider and motorcycle enthusiast. He also rides a 2003 anniversary edition Harley-Davidson Ultra Classic that was stretched out by Combs Custom Cycle in Lawrence Kansas in 2008. Since retiring from the NBA, Scot has appeared in movies including "Rhino" (2012), "Barrio Tales" (2012), "Axeman" (2013), "Destination Planet Negro" (2013), "Jayhawkers" (2014) and "The Association" (2016). In addition to his acting career, he has been a freelance broadcaster for the Kansas Jayhawks, the Sacramento Kings and the Indiana Pacers.

Follow Scot on Twitter: @ScotPollard31