Today I was leaving the parking lot at the local Walgreens/Starbucks. This guy on his chopper needed to cross in front of me to get in a parking space next to the building. Being a motorcycle rider myself, I stopped to let him cross.
The bike was a really nice, custom chopper. I thought “hey, that would make a good sketch”. After he went in the store, I came back and parked beside the bike. I could tell it was professionally built. It was well appointed and the paint was flawless.
I pondered whether to introduce myself and explain my intentions when he returned, or simply take a snapshot of the bike and sketch it, minus rider. I’m a bit hesitant to introduce myself to strangers for fear of annoying them. Introduce myself to a biker on a chopper…”Hi, I’m an artist”…hmmmmm…like I said, I pondered.
Anyway, I came to the conclusion that I needed to include the rider with his bike because frankly, it’s the rider that makes these things truly interesting. True, the bikes themselves are really works of art if built by a pro, but still…you’ve gotta plop a personality on the thing to make a complete statement.
Turns out I got lucky! The rider BUILT this beauty! In fact, he’s built a bunch of ‘em.
Unfortunately, I’m such a mindless dolt with names that I always forget a name the first time it’s stated to me. Something about the handshake distracts my brain and the person’s name goes in one ear and out the other. I REALLY have to fix that! It is my greatest flaw (At least in my opinion. My wife finds other flaws to be greater.) My sincere apologies to the gentleman. (If you read this Mr. Bike Builder, please leave a comment with your name and I’ll correct the post.)
UPDATE! Mr. Bike Builder responded to the post and his name is Tony. Thanks for the email Tony–Ride Safe!
And he WAS a gentleman by the way. I introduced myself, explained what I was up to, and found him to be enthusiastic about the whole idea of getting his bike sketched with him on it. He even suggested I should sketch bikes and sell the originals to the owners.
His buddy pulled up about that time and I learned that his bike too, was one of Mr. Bike Builder’s works of art. Plus, he’s got several other people wanting to buy one of his choppers. I can certainly understand why. He does a great job with them.
I took a quick digital photo for reference and we parted ways after a bit more conversation. At the red light, I snapped another from behind.
So folks, I’m proud to say that Marietta, Georgia, now has the equivalent of the famous “West Coast Choppers” right here in East Cobb County.
“East Cobb Choppers” . Order one today! They’re real beauties!
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