MEET KRISTI NOEM

SOUTH DAKOTA GOVERNOR

Governor Kristi Noem is a rancher, farmer, small business owner, and New York Times bestselling author of Not My First Rodeo: Lessons Learned From the Heartland.

In 2010, after serving in the South Dakota legislature for several years, Noem was elected to serve as South Dakota's lone member of the U.S. House of Representatives. During her time in Congress, in addition to many other successes, Governor Noem helped pass the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which put $2,400 back in the pockets of the average South Dakota family.

In 2018, with the platform of protecting South Dakotans against tax increases, government growth, federal intrusion, and government secrecy, she was elected as South Dakota's first-ever female Governor.

As Governor, Noem has respected the rights of her people by trusting them to exercise their personal responsibility to make the best decisions for themselves, their loved-ones, and – in turn – their communities. This approach has been most evident in her response to the COVID-19 pandemic: Governor Noem never ordered a single business or church to close and never issued a statewide shelter-in-place order.

Despite all of this, Governor Noem often says that her greatest accomplishment is raising her three children, Kassidy, Kennedy, and Booker, with her husband Bryon. All have a deep love for their family and an even deeper love for the Lord.

MEET KEVIN SORBO

ACTOR

Sorbo received international stardom when he booked the lead role in “Hercules, the Legendary Journeys”. Following that success, Sorbo had the lead role as “Captain Dylan Hunt” in “Gene Roddenberry’s, Andromeda”.

The independent film “What If” was nominated for Best Family Movie of the Year by the Movie Guide Awards. Sorbo also received the Movie Guide Award for Most Inspirational Performance of the Year.

Sorbo also starred alongside Dennis Quaid and Helen Hunt in “Soul Surfer”, And the faith-based movie, “God’s Not Dead”. The $2 million-dollar budgeted movie became the most successful independent faith-based movie ever with over $140 million in theatrical, streaming and DVD sales.

  “Let There Be Light” was a movie he directed/acted/produced and this faith/family movie ranked number 4 out of the top 10 family movies of 2018. “Miracle in East Texas”, a Comedy based on a true story set in 1930 was an  other movie Sorbo directed/acted in. Movie release is scheduled for late 2022. Movie also stars John Ratzenberger, Lou Gossett, Jr., and Sam Sorbo.

Sorbo also produced/narrated the documentary, “Against the Tide” that follows the career of Oxford math professor John Lennox in his life-long apologist debates against the world’s most famous atheists like Richard Dawkins and Christopher Hitchens. Shot on location in Oxford and Israel. Another documentary he narrates released in 2021 is “Before the Wrath” which chronicles the Book of Revelation and was the number one documentary on Amazon for five months.

The major motion picture, “Reagan”, with Dennis Quaid playing the late President with Sorbo as his pastor, will release in early 2023.

Principle filming just completed this past November/December of 2021 for the next “Left Behind: Rise of the Anti-Christ” movie with Sorbo directing and acting in the movie based off the Jenkins/LaHaye award winning books. Theatrical release is set for late 2022.

Also releasing in 2022 is the documentary, Eating With the Enemy. Sorbo narrates this interesting look at The Last Supper and the 12 disciples. He also narrated the documentaries, Climate Hustle 2, The Pat Robertson Story, and Exodus: Patterns of Evidence.

Kevin released his memoir “True Strength: My Journey from Hercules to Mere Mortal and How Nearly Dying Saved My Life”. The book chronicles his near-death experience when he suffered three strokes and the battle back to regain his life. He also co-wrote the follow up book, “True Faith, Embracing Adversity to Live in God’s Light”, with his wife, Sam.

Kevin was also the recipient of the Lee Greenwood Patriot Award along with President Trump in May of 2021.

Since 1997, Kevin leads "A World Fit for Kids”, a successful mentoring model that trains inner-city teens to use school, fitness, sports and positive role models for themselves. World Fit is the number one after-school program in the state of California for 25 straight years.

Sorbo resides in Florida with his wife, Sam and three children.

MEET BILLY LANE

CHOPPERS INC.

Born and raised in Miami, Florida, custom bike-builder Billy Lane holds an Associate of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Florida State University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Florida International University.⁠

His father greatly influenced Billy's interest in cars and hot rods early on; so Billy had already acquired quite a bit of mechanical knowledge, even before attending college. Then in the late '80's Billy bought his first bike ...in parts and pieces. But he quickly figured out how to put it together; and with the advice and help of a few old-timers, he learned a lot —and fast.⁠

After graduating, Billy got a job working on bikes with his brother Warren, then later went on his own. He began making custom parts as gifts for his friends, but the demand quickly grew for his now-famous 6-gun parts, leading to the 1995 formation of Choppers Inc. in Melbourne, Florida.⁠

Billy credits much of his success to good timing --getting into the chopper scene ahead of the curve, well before choppers were considered relevant by the motorcycle industry.

Billy's work has been featured on such notable magazine covers as The Horse, Easyriders, Street Chopper, Hot Bike, as well as several international publications. He has also received numerous awards from his peers, including the 2002 Easyriders Best-Bike-Builder-of-the-Year and 2002 Easyriders Invitational Class, winning First Place Best-in-Show for his "Psycho Billy Cadillac" bike, making famous Billy's design marvel: the 'hubless' wheel.

Billy's popularity grew exponentially with a string of television appearances, including a segment on the Speed Channel’s "Corbin’s Ride On!" A long-term relationship with the Discovery Channel began while shooting the first episode of "Monster Garage", after which Billy was also invited to participate in other Discovery Channel series: "Biker Build-Off", and "BIG!". Later, his support of the U.S. Armed Forces was featured on the Discovery Channel Special, "The Billy Lane Project", which focused on Billy’s pride-and-joy, the "Blood Sweat & Gears Tour"

In 2017, Billy developed Sons of Speed, a motorcycle race inspired by early 20th-century board-track racing. Featuring stripped-down bikes with pre-1925 American V-Twin engines and a steeply banked racetrack, Sons of Speed hearkens back to a wide-open, full-throttle, thrilling style of motorcycle racing.

MEET EARL DOTSON

SUPER BOWL CHAMPION

Current CEO of Green Empire Group and Super Bowl champion Earl Christopher Dotson is known as one of the premier offensive linemen in Green Bay Packers history. Dotson protected Brett Favre and blocked Reggie White in practice as a right offensive tackle starter. The champion lineman was born and raised in Beaumont, Texas, where he earned All-State Offensive Player of the Year while at West Brook High School. He later was named All-American tackle by Associated Press, Kodak, Football Gazette and NFL Draft Report, among other honors.

He was drafted in the1993 NFL third round from Texas A&M University-Kingsville (formerly A&I), where he studied psychology and lettered in track and field. Dotson started in Super Bowls XXXI and XXXII and later earned from his teammates the Ed Block Courage Award. He was inducted into the Texas A&I Javelina Hall of Fame in 2003, the same year Dotson retired from the Packers following back injuries and surgeries. Dotson owned and operated The 50-Yard Line bar and grill, and operated a custom car shop. The former NFL star is proud and fulfilled to participate in charitable outreach organizations and events in Wisconsin and Texas, where he currently lives.

MEET CORY NESS

ARLEN NESS MOTORCYCLES

Cory Ness is both the business and key design arm of Arlen Ness Motorcycles. 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 Motorcycles 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 Motorcycles open two stores in Miami and Daytona and form a partnership with Victory 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 MOTORCYCLES

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 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 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 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 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 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.

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 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 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 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 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 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 SEAN MCNABB

MUSICIAN & ACTOR

Sean McNabb is an American actor, musician/bassist and singer. While still on tour with rock bands, he is also acting and writing, composing, and singing music for TV and film. In 2015, he released his first solo music as a lead singer, ‘Fresh Air’ and ‘America.’ Both are also featured in the film ‘Rockstory.’

McNabb was born in South Bend, Indiana. At age 21, he became the bass player of the 1980s metal band Quiet Riot, replacing Chuck Wright.

McNabb joined Dokken as their bassist in 2009 and was a mainstay with the band until 2014. He has recorded over 35 CDs in his discography. He has also toured and recorded with House of Lords (where he again replaced Wright), Great White, Lynch Mob, Montrose, Queensrÿche, Jack Wagner, Don Felder, Edgar Winter, Maya, Bad Moon Rising, Rough Cutt, Burning Rain, and XYZ. 

In addition to music, he is acting in Hollywood in film and television and has twenty credits on IMDB. Of note, he appeared on FX TV's Sons of Anarchy and as host of Best of AXS TV Concerts 2012 - Legends of Rock. He starred along TV and Broadway greats in Los Angeles plays. He has appeared in films, TV and in commercials. He was on the cover, and was profiled, by the Beverly Hills Times as a rising star in the world of acting.

MEET DARREN MCKEAG

ARTIST

The Art of Darren McKeag is a compilation of motorbike influenced art. All of his enamel paintings are done by hand, with a brush. He also enjoys working in other mediums, such as acrylic, pen and ink, colored pencil and limited-edition screen-printed posters. Ranging from complete motorbike paint jobs, helmet paint jobs, pinstriping to t-shirt and event poster designs and even logo designs, his art can work for you.

MEET HORNY MIKE

HISTORY'S "COUNTING CARS"
COUNTS KUSTOMS

Michael "Horny Mike" Henry is an airbrush artist and designer whose nickname comes from his practice of putting 3-D horns on everything - from vehicles to helmets to the riding gear he wears. He is among the distinctive characters on the History Channel’s Counting Cars based at Count’s Kustoms in Las Vegas, where the boss, Danny Koker, relies on Mike to bring his ideas to 3-D fruition. Considering the far-flung projects the shop attracts, that’s saying a ton.

“I’m just a good old boy that just wants to make the world smile,” said Horny Mike. “If the smile comes from my artwork or they are just laughing at me, I'm fine with either.” 

Mike sees airbrushing as his core talent, the pursuit that started and continues to inspire his journey. “I have airbrushed every surface you can imagine; cars, bikes, walls, bodies, helmets, clothing. But as an artist I’m never satisfied and always need new challenges. Now my focus is on 3-D printing”

“I believe with 3-D there is no limit to what you can do, it’s all up to your imagination, and I have a very big imagination! I plan on showing the world what the next level of customization looks like.”  

Embracing this new 3-D challenge led Horny Mike to his most outrageous project yet: the Jaw Dropper, a two-wheeled monster like no other. “Nobody’s ever done something so outlandish: but functional! “ he said. Unveiled on a spring episode of Counting Cars, the rolling sculpture will accompany Mike to the Buffalo Chip and be shown around the venue. 

As a recent interviewer stated: “He’s got a very unique, outgoing personality that tends to bring a smile to your face. You can see he’s passionate about what he does.”

MEET DAVID UHL

UHL STUDIOS

David Uhl was born into a family of engineers and artists which made him particularly suited for capturing the lifestyle inherent in motorcycling culture. He purchased his first bike in 1988 and soon after his pencils and pens reflected his visual passion for the sport. In 1993 he began producing countless best selling artworks for Harley-Davidson apparel.

After several years at the helm of Uhl Studios, an award-winning illustration company, David fulfilled his desire to move into Fine Art. In 1998, he created his first oil painting and, upon taking it to Harley-Davidson headquarters in Milwaukee, he was eagerly welcomed as the first ever licensed oil painter for The Motor Company.

Since then, David has created scores of masterpieces reviving the rich history of this legendary manufacturer. Poring over the company’s black and white photography archives, he has selected numerous compositions and brought them “back to life” in oil on canvas. His timeless style is perfect for capturing the deep emotions Harley-Davidson evokes and will allow the legacy to live on for generations to come.

David is also putting his touch on aviation, automotive and western themes.

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 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.

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 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 CARLOS MOLEDA

NAVY SEAL
IRON MAN CHAMPION

Carlos Moleda grew up in São Paulo, Brazil. At age 18, he chose a life of adventure, moved to the United States and joined the Navy. His ability to work hard and learn fast eventually won him a coveted spot as a Navy SEAL.

A few years later, he found himself in the middle of an intense firefight in Panama. Nine of the 10 men in his unit were wounded – four fatally. Carlos was hit near his spine and leg, and lost feeling in his lower body forever. Competitive sports proved to be the best way to recover from this traumatic injury. Through an unyielding spirit and a passion for competition, this Purple Heart recipient turned his misfortune into his greatest adventure: becoming a champion.

Since his injury, Carlos has become a world-renowned athlete. He has climbed Mount Kilimanjaro and has completed in Race Across America and numerous other triathlons and cycling competitions around the world. He is a seven-time Ironman National Champion and five-time Ironman World Champion. The Ironman Hall of Fame named him as their 2021 inductee.

Carlos is a member of Team Paralyzed Veterans of America and serves as a spokesman for the Challenged Athletes Foundation / Operation Rebound. He uses his expertise and motivational skills to teach younger kids and veterans with disabilities how to ride racing wheelchairs and handcycles. He is also a triathlon coach for CAF Operation Rebound.

He is married to Sarah Preston Moleda and has a son, Spencer. He is an amazing man, a fine American and when you're with him you can't help but realize that there are few people on this Earth who stand as tall as Carlos Moleda.

BAGGER RACING LEAGUE

ABOUT THE BAGGER RACING LEAGUE

What began as an exhibition race in 2020, the Bagger Racing League™ has now unfolded into a groundbreaking series comprised of 4 adrenaline-filled Harley Davidson® V-Twin bagger classes featuring the iconic Harley Davidson Street Glide® and Road Glide® models – the same cruising bikes millions of enthusiasts proudly ride the world over. The embodiment of the American drive to be “bigger, faster, stronger,” has taken the performance world by storm and Bagger Racing League presents a front seat to a historical blend of classic motorcycle culture and thrilling speed across five exclusive classes. The inaugural event will be televised as a live audience witnesses intense weekend-long on-track competition surrounded by an expansive atmosphere of sponsor displays including manufacturers, Harley-Davidson dealerships, independent custom motorcycle shops, stunt shows, the Arlen Ness Custom Bike Show, and much more. Event goers can purchase a 2-day race ticket and camp for the weekend or park in the ride-in-show area where thousands of motorcycles will line the event midway in a spectacular display.

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 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 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 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 RICKY CARMICHAEL

15X AMA MOTOCROSS SUPERCROSS CHAMPION

The GOAT: the Greatest Of All Time. That's really all that needs to be said about Carmichael. In 1996, he concluded a record-setting run in the amateur ranks by capturing his ninth AMA Amateur National Championship at the prestigious Loretta Lynn's Dude Ranch. He accumulated a total of 67 amateur motocross national championships. He got his first taste of professional motocross in 1996, showing signs of his upcoming greatness, and earned the AMA Motocross Rookie of the Year award. He didn't slow down in 1997, earning a few Eastern Region 125cc Supercross race wins, as well as dominating the 125cc National Motocross Championship Series aboard his Pro Circuit Kawasaki, capturing his first professional championship.

The following year saw much of the same from Carmichael. He won every round of the 125cc Eastern Region Supercross championship and won the 125cc Mazda Truck Motocross National championship with eight overall wins. Carmichael entered the AMA 250cc Supercross Series for the first time in his career in 1999, but had a tough time getting acclimated to the bigger bike and tougher competition. He returned to the 125cc bike for the AMA Motocross Nationals and won his third consecutive championship in the class, his final championship for Mitch Payton's Pro Circuit Kawasaki team.

Carmichael rode a 250cc machine for the entirety of the 2000 season. He earned his first 250cc Supercross win at Daytona and had an additional five podium finishes. Always a stronger outdoor rider, Carmichael immediately dominated the AMA 250cc U.S. Motocross Championship, winning nine overalls and easily winning the series championship. He was a key part of the Motocross des Nations team, bringing the title back to the U.S. alongside teammates Ryan Hughes and Travis Pastrana. Carmichael only added to his stellar career in 2001. After adding a new trainer to his program, he was able to dethrone Jeremy McGrath as the AMA 250cc Supercross Champion, and once again captured the 250cc Motocross Championship aboard his Team Chevy Trucks Kawasaki.

In 2002, Carmichael switched to Team Honda before dominating the AMA Supercross Championship, and set a record that can never be broken in AMA 250cc National Motocross racing: he won every moto he entered that season, going 24 for 24, and earning the first perfect season in U.S. motocross history. The 2003 season saw Carmichael once again win both the AMA Supercross championship as well as the AMA National Motocross championship. In his final season aboard a Factory American Honda in 2004, Carmichael matched his perfect season in the AMA Motocross National series, once again winning all 24 motos of the season, but this time on a four-stroke CRF450R, instead of the two-stroke CR250R two years previous.

Carmichael made the switch to the Factory Makita Suzuki team for the 2005 season. He once again controlled every series that season, winning both the AMA Supercross and Motocross championships, along with the U.S. Open of Supercross and the Motocross des Nations. The 2006 season marked Carmichael's last full year of motocross racing before stepping into semi, and then full, retirement. He once again won the AMA Supercross and Motocross championships, and again captained Team USA to another Motocross des Nations victory. The AMA recognized his achievements by naming him the Athlete of the Year for a record fifth time.

Carmichael went into semi-retirement in 2007, but was arguably still the fastest rider on the track in the races he entered, including winning all six overalls in the six AMA Motocross Championship races he entered. Those six wins brought his combined SX/MX career win total to a record 150. He bid farewell to professional motocross racing by leading Team USA to another Motocross des Nations victory in Budds Creek, Maryland and winning the final race he entered.

Carmichael, who had achieved all there was to accomplish on two wheels, looked to four wheels for his newest challenge. He became interested in NASCAR through a family friend and Cup Driver Clint Bowyer. "I met Clint through his brother who raced motorcycles," explained Carmichael. "His brother was really good. I was a couple of years younger than his older brother and around the same age as Clint. We went to a race a long time ago and ended up parking next to them and became friends. He used to race motocross and got to be 15 and said ‘Man, I am going to try racing cars'. I just watched him work his way up through the ranks." But Carmichael's interest in auto racing didn't come to fruition until his semi-retirement from Motocross at the conclusion of the 2006 season.

In 2007, while still racing a partial Motocross schedule with Team Makita Suzuki, Carmichael signed a contract to drive for Ginn Racing, who later merged with DEI. Mark Martin, who was also a Ginn Racing driver, took Carmichael under his wing and mentored him in a Super Late Model at tracks throughout Florida and the Southeast.

The 2008 season seemed to be in limbo when negotiations with DEI didn't pan out for a full schedule in the NASCAR Camping World Series East – the next logical step in his progression to NASCAR's bigger stage. In February – just two months shy of the NCWS season opener – Carmichael met Ken Schrader and the two hit it off. By the end of the month, Carmichael signed on with Schrader Racing and got Monster Energy Drink to sponsor his efforts for a full campaign in the development series. After Finishing 6th in the series and being voted the Most Popular Driver, Ricky went on to sign a deal with KHI to compete in the 2009 Camping World Truck Series. Ricky also competed in a one race deal for KHI at Talladega in 2008 (ARCA).

In 2009 Ricky contended for the NCWTS Rookie of the year and although he only competed in 18 of the 25 races he was able to finish 4th in the rookie standings and 22nd in the drivers' standings with 2 top ten finishes. To cap off a strong showing in his first attempt at one of NASCAR's big 3 series, Ricky brought home the Most Popular Driver award. The award is a strong testament to his loyal fan base and growing popularity as a NASCAR driver. For the last 2 races of the 2009 season Ricky made the switch to Turner Motorsports, signing a multiyear deal with the new team owned by Steve Turner.

2010 started out strong with the new Turner Motorsports team. Monster Energy continued to support Ricky and his dream to become a NASCAR Champion. In addition to his strong showing in the Truck series Ricky has been able to show his talents in the car by competing in four Nationwide series and 3 ARCA series races. At the conclusion of the 2010 season Carmichael ended up 13th in the Truck standings with 3 top 5's and 9 top 10 finishes.

Following his NASCAR career, Ricky jumped back into the sport of Motocross and Supercross as a team owner, joining forces with Carey Hart and forming the RCH Racing Team. Ricky and Carey ultimately reached their goal of becoming a Championship winning team by winning the 2106 Motocross Championship with Ken Roczen.  

Moving forward, Ricky has been investing his time and energy in to giving back to the sport of motocross. He now works closely with his sponsors, partners and riders, some of those project include:

- NBC Analyst for the Monster Energy Supercross Series

- Ricky Carmichael Daytona Amateur Supercross - Amateur race following the pro supercross at Daytona International Speedway

- Ricky Carmichael University - Annual riding clinic that involves legends of the sport to train and help riders advance their careers

- Carmichael Camp - Private camp to reward top performing Suzuki amateur racers

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 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 PAUL YAFFE

PAUL YAFFE’S BAGGER NATION

Paul grew up in SoCal's San Fernando Valley. All the hoodlums in Paul's neighborhood rode dirt bikes, inline Honda 4’s or Kawasaki GPZ’s. Paul's dad had Enduros and Triumph choppers that Paul would ride when his dad was away. When he got his first Harley, he immediately took a saw to it in his parents’ garage.

Paul is a self-taught bike builder who is still learning every day. He hung around local shops growing up or anywhere something cool was being created. He is fascinated by anything custom.

In 1989, he moved to Phoenix to attend the Motorcycle Mechanics Institute to gain knowledge in all things motorcycle. He got a ground-level education in 2 and 4-Stroke Engine Theory, Electrical Theory and current and early model HD Service, an education he uses every day.

The neighborhood hoodlums were Paul's heroes in the early days. Later when he got into Harleys, he followed Billy Westbrook, Arlen Ness, Grady Pfeiffer, Alan Deshon wherever they may have been showing their bikes.

The first bike Paul customized was a Sportster. The first ground-up bike he built with Jack Gould, Paul's service manager to this day, was a rigid frame shovelhead. Paul sold it soon after it was done. It financed his first shop which opened in Phoenix in 1991.

Choppers came on hard and fast in the late ‘90s. Along with their incredible popularity came a booming aftermarket. By 2001, there were companies popping up like 7-Elevens offering “custom” choppers built entirely from aftermarket parts.
This flood of choppers basically destroyed the trend in the industry. "I was lucky," Paul said. "I had already turned my eye to the Bagger platform." Customizing Baggers wasn't new. Paul had tried to introduce a line of custom Bagger parts in 1998 and "failed miserably!" Things really changed in '06-'07. Paul had customized the first 2006 Street Glide and unveiled it in January '06 at the Easy Riders Shows along with the Bagger Nation brand.

It seemed like the moto world was ready for the winds of change. Paul published the first Bagger Nation catalog, filled with the parts he tried to introduce 10 years prior. Now he couldn’t make them fast enough!

MEET RICK FAIRLESS

STROKERS DALLAS

Rick Fairless was born in Dallas, Texas and was raised and still live in the Dallas suburb of Irving. His brother Randy (he’s 11 months younger and a big shot attorney in Houston) and he were raised on motorcycles and started riding bikes at 7 years old. At the ripe young age of 19, Rick went to work for his great uncle who owned a chain of paint stores called Roach Paint Company, which later became Glidden Paint Co. After 20 years in the paint business, and never missing a day of work, Rick retired as the #1 Sales Rep in the country for the Glidden Paint Company!

His passion in life was, and still is, custom motorcycles. He kept hoping that someone would open a big time custom motorcycle shop in Dallas so he could buy cool, custom parts from guys like Arlen Ness and Pat Kennedy. Then he thought, why can’t that guy be me?

So, in 1996 Rick opened Strokers Dallas. Two years later, he opened up his bar & grill next door called Strokers Ice House. On any normal Saturday or Sunday, 500 to 1000 bikes pass through his doors! The live music is playing, the girls are selling ice-cold beer, and the bikes are roaring in and out... It’s freakin’ AWESOME! His property is 2.5 acres located deep in the heart of Dallas, Texas, only a few miles from downtown! He can truly say that he is the luckiest boy in the world, living his dream everyday, 8 days a week!

MEET BRIAN KLOCK

KLOCK WERKS KUSTOM CYCLES

Brian Klock grew up in Emery, South Dakota and was influenced at an early age by his father's love of cars and motorcycles. He took his first trip to Sturgis in 1976 at the age of 10 with his dad. 

In 1990, Brian built a purple FXR that achieved national notice. Looking at the FXR in Sturgis that year, Willie G. Davidson told Brian that he, “Might have a future in this business.” Soon friends began calling asking Brian to lend his imaginative eye and creativity to their bikes.

In 1997 Brian opened the first Klock Werks location in his mentor John Patton’s garage in Mitchell, SD. Before long he became known as one of the industry’s most diverse and award-winning builders. His early vision and custom work made bagger-style motorcycles hip and cool. 

In their quest to stay on the cutting edge of design, the team built a bagger for the Discovery Channel Biker Build-Off in 2007. The bike won the build-off and weeks later was at the famed Bonneville Salt Flats where it set a Land Speed Record as the World’s Fastest Bagger.

Brian and his team recently partnered with Jack Daniel’s and Indian Motorcycles to design a series of Limited-Edition Indians. In 2012 Brian was inducted into the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum Hall of Fame and he has received numerous state and local awards. Today the Klock Werks team designs and builds motorcycles and an ever-growing line of custom parts at a 7,000 square-foot facility in the heart of Mitchell, SD.

MEET MONDO PORRAS

DENVER CHOPPERS

Mondo Porras has been defining the “look” of motorcycles since 1967. Together with Denver Mullins, custom builder and founder of Denver’s Choppers, Mondo created some of the first aftermarket parts for the burgeoning chopper industry. 

Denver’s Choppers globally influential extended springer front ends and custom frames were influential in establishing the “long-bike” phenomenon that is synonymous with “choppers” and still popular around the world. This distinctive look has earned Mondo many awards in the custom bike world. 

For more than 50 years, Mondo Porras has been building custom motorcycles and promoting the sport. Through television, books, magazines, and producing vintage chopper shows, his influence continues to this day, and his peers have deemed him the “Godfather of Choppers.” Mondo has been a positive role model for Mexican American bike builders and has a large following in the Mid-East, Asia, and Sweden. Mondo is known and respected worldwide. He has been featured on Discovery Channel’s Biker Build Off, Motorcycle Mania, The Art of the Chopper 2 book, as well as countless custom motorcycle magazines. Mondo has been on the cover of Easyriders Magazine four times. 

Mondo was part of the “Blood Sweat and Gears Tour“ with Billy Lane. They toured around the country building bikes on stage and giving them to deserving military vets. Mondo is a member of the International Master Bike Builders Assoc. and Hall of Fame and travels around the world promoting the art of custom motorcycles.

MEET SHANNON AIKAU

HISTORY’S “COUNTING CARS”
COUNT’S KUSTOMS

Shannon Aikau was born on the island of Oahu in Hawaii. His love of all things “motorcycle” began at such an early age; he watched and learned from his father Jimmy, an avid rider and mechanic. Shannon began tinkering with bikes at the age of 6 and built his first Harley at the tender age of 12. Tracing their heritage to a line of watermen, the Aikau Family is related to the famous surfer and first official lifeguard of Waimea Bay, Eddie Aikau. 

In 1998, Shannon moved to the 9^th island: Las Vegas, NV.  There, Shannon met Danny “The Count” Koker while working for Evil Twin Cycles.  A few years later, “The Count” opened Count’s Kustoms, a custom motorcycle and hot rod shop. Shannon found a home there and has been building custom motorcycles at Count’s for 20 years.

In 1998, Shannon built Danny’s first bike, dubbed “Tattoo.” The Count’s everyday rider, “Coffin,” soon followed.  Both choppers feature 30-over Sugar Bear Springer front ends, because Shannon only chooses the very best components.

Shannon can be seen on The History Channel’s hit series, Counting Cars, filmed on location at Count’s Kustoms and now in its 8^th season. He has built over 300 bikes, each one a new, exciting and totally different experience.  As Shannon says, “Building bikes is an art form, a passion; it’s shared through generations, builders, and riders alike. Putting a smile on the customer’s face as they take their first ride; that’s what it’s all about.”

MEET JEFF COCHRAN

CUSTOM BUILDER

Jeff has been building motorcycles for the past three decades. Despite that he will tell you that he has only been making a living with them for the last 20 years, his “Modern Bobber” style has swept the industry and changed the definition of what a bobber is for Gen X and beyond forever.

Growing up around motorcycles, Jeff’s whole family rode. His ability to modify bikes began at a young age. Jeff is the kind of person who never settles for anything less than perfection. When it comes to his own abilities it has been a lifelong challenge to constantly learn and grow as a builder. As many of us in the rust belt region, Cochran developed a style out of necessity. Low dollar builds with great lines and classic style that eventually coined the phrase Bobber. It was a new and unique twist on the traditional idea of a bobber and from Jeff’s first cover of a bike called “the January Chopper” on the Horse Mag, his name and style lit a path through the darkness for a whole generation.

This style came out of a collaboration called Sucker Punch Sally’s that started back in the late nineties and grew into a worldwide force early in the new century. The basic, yet refined design based on the working man’s custom idea was a big hit with Gen Xer’s coming out of the million-dollar chopper phase of custom motorcycling and Jeff has been refining it to this day.

Today, Jeff builds about 13 hand-crafted motorcycles per year for clients around the world. He is a one-man show located in Indiana, out in the woods as he says, where he and his wife Beverly make their home as well. Off the beaten path but he is far from being out of sight or out of mind. To his credit, Jeff has been on numerous national magazine covers, featured in the movie “Choppertown”, has also worked behind the camera for many of the world's largest motorcycle magazines and has had his photography work get him gigs for CMT and Rolling Stone.

With all this, he is still one of the humblest and well-respected builders to the young and old of our industry alike. To them he offers one constant piece of advice: “Be careful what you wish for. This is a hard way to make a living.”

MEET JERRY COVINGTON

COVINGTON’S CUSTOMS

Jerry started building custom choppers in the early seventies and founded Covingtons Customs in Woodward, Oklahoma in 1993. He has become well known in the motorcycle industry as one of the top custom builders for his clean designs and high quality custom motorcycles, and has appeared in numerous TV shows Including the Discovery Channel's Biker Build-Off series, Carlos Mencia's Mind of Mencia, and Corbin's Ride On. ⁠
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Jerry has also been featured in several custom motorcycle-related books including "Art of The Chopper", and "Top Chops". Jerry's one of a kind motorcycles have won many awards, have been featured in dozens of magazines, including Easyriders, HotBike, and Street Chopper, and have been photographed by Michael Lichter Photography. Jerry has built motorcycles for celebrities such as comedian Carlos Mencia, musician Sammy Hagar, and race car driver Billy Boat.

MEET DAVID COVINGTON

COVINGTON’S CUSTOMS

David Covington is a designer and builder working alongside his parents Jerry and Kathleen at Covington’s Customs. As a designer, he adds his own personal design touch to almost every custom bike or part that comes out of the Covington’s Customs Shop.

MEET KIWI MIKE TOMAS

KIWI INDIAN MOTORCYCLES

Kiwi Mike of Kiwi Indian Motorcycles got his start in the mechanical world in New Zealand doing repairs and making parts for equipment on his father’s farm. He got his first Indian at age 17, knowing he wanted something American but not caring for Harley-Davidson. Kiwi was driven to the Indian brand one day when a man passed by him on a ‘41. Mike fell in love with the lines and chased him down to learn more.⁠
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In the early 80’s, a 20-something Mike wandered the globe looking for his promised land. He wound up in America and never left. 1988 rolled around, and Kiwi knew it was time to make his dream a reality, and so Kiwi Indian Motorcycles was founded. Mike quickly found his footing with his extensive knowledge of the Indian parts line. Back in NZ, Mike had fabricated his own Indian parts because at that time they were not readily available.⁠
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In 1990 things changed in a big way for Mike. He showed up at the Davenport Swap in Iowa with the industry’s first illustrated catalog for Indian Motorcycle parts. For the longest time, Kiwi was just a parts company, manufacturing some 1500 different part numbers. Mike's reengineering of original parts to make them last longer and perform better drove him through to the late 90’s when he achieved another first, in building the worlds first replica Indian engine made 100% with Kiwi Indian Motorcycle’s parts. Again in 2003, he was first with a complete replica Indian Motorcycle. Mike's talents don’t lie just in improving Indian equipment he builds a helluva custom bike. With a star-studded client list made up of collectors like Billy Joel, Jay Leno, David Letterman, Mike Wolfe and Perry Sands to name a few. Mike was even involved in the discovery build off the bike with Super Co and was a technical consultant for The Worlds Fastest Indian. Tragically, in 2014 Mike lost his young son Ross who was a big part of the business and an even more significant part of Mike's life personally. Much of what Mike does today he does to carry on his son’s memory. Always taking into consideration where Ross, who would have eventually taken the reigns of Kiwi Indian Motorcycles would have taken the company himself.

MEET PAT PATTERSON

LED SLED CUSTOMS

Pat Patterson has risen to the top of the customer motorcycle world with his skills and eye for design. Pat thrives in the Sportster market with his custom bikes, complete product line and unique approach to style. Pat and Led Sled Customs have separated themselves and continue to plow a path for the new generation of bike builders.⁠
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Led Sled Customs has been featured in nearly every major motorcycle publication in the world with their custom builds. Pat has also led the way in the custom Sportster components and modifications. For the last decade, Pat has focused his attention on the overlooked Sportster market, chopped it up, rebuilt it, and stamped his style all over it.⁠
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It actually all started while Pat was running a trucking business. Having a few drivers and still driving himself, time on the road kept him dreaming. What began as a hobby trying to fab up his own 1993 Sportster, ended up as a side business out of his 100 sq ft garage. Led Sled Customs had its own business card in 2002. After a few paint jobs and the first frame modification, in 2003 Pat Patterson ended his trucking business and opened the doors at an old five-n-dime store with a huge future ahead of him.⁠
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Going from mostly paint jobs to an entire line of custom Sportster parts and builds, Led Sled has skyrocketed to truly becoming the Sportster Authority. There was such a need to make this really cool, fast Sportster model into something people, at first glance, have no idea is a Sportster! Working in space that doesn't really seem like more than 100 sq ft... Led Sled has produced hundreds of custom bikes and shipped parts not only to all 50 states, but over 80 countries worldwide.⁠
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At the beginning of his 17th year, Pat is not stopping. With solid production capabilities and growing product line, Led Sled Customs is aggressively making the push into the Dealer and Wholesale markets with the primary goals of supplying the highest quality USA made aftermarket Sportster components at the best pricing in the industry.

MEET PAUL WIDEMAN

BARE KNUCKLE CHOPPERS

In business since 2003, Bare Knuckle Choppers has consistently designed and built some of the most recognizable choppers in the industry. We are proudly known for our high quality, home-grown, hand-crafted custom parts and award-winning custom motorcycles.⁠
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Born and raised in the central United States, where the roads are winding and rolling hills lined with trees, what else is there, but to jump on a motorcycle and hit the pavement at mach speed leaving the world behind!? And there the journey started for Bare Knuckle Choppers owner and lead designer, Paul Wideman. Since day one, Paul and crew have been proudly offering custom motorcycle and parts designs that are always inspired, unique, 100% made in the USA, using domestically sourced materials and precision-engineered for aesthetics and most importantly, for performance! ⁠
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As Bare Knuckle Choppers passion for riding progressed from hobby to custom builds, we found ourselves in pursuit of ever more necessary one-of-a-kind modifications. It was then that we began to conceptualize and manufacture our own parts. Parts that were no longer being produced for various older motorcycles and of course for each of our many custom builds, which you will spy in magazines, around the rallies and streets of America and beyond. We offer hundreds of custom parts here through Bare Knuckle Performance, the expert machine shop behind Bare Knuckle Choppers.

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 MIKE SKINNER

STOCK CAR RACER

Michael Skinner is an American former stock car racing driver. He has competed in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, NASCAR Busch Series and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. He has most recently driven the No. 98 Ford Fusion for Phil Parsons Racing in the Cup Series. He is the father of former NASCAR drivers Jamie Skinner and Dustin Skinner. He was born in Susanville, California.

Skinner starred as the test driver for the first series of The Grand Tour. He was known as "The American," in humorous contrast to the main presenters, who are British.

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