Renegade Issue 35

The Definition of the Chopper show held at Chadwell Metal

works welding and machine shop, with the help of custom

painter Rusty Nash. The way these guys live their lives, along

with all the other chopper freaks that were in attendance, are

the living embodiment of the definition of the chopper...

Living a life with a passion fueled by the love of all things

motorcycles, the freedom of the ride, the Zen feeling you get

from working on your bike, by yourself or together with friends

who share your passion for motorcycles. It’s more than a way

of life, it’s having a passion for life itself.

The rumble and thunder of a big bore bike can excite the

body and mind, sending shivers up your spine. Or the potato,

potato thump of an old Shovelhead can bring you the peace

of a Buddhist monk as you twist the throttle down a country

road.

For me it has to be Old School, from at least the eighties

back, I feel that the motors had more soul and character

than the modern, although much better performing motor.

Yes, it’s nice to have a nice dependable motorcycle with a

warranty and all that, well... I guess it must be, since I’ve

never owned a new bike.

The uncertainty and inevitable breakdowns when you ride

old iron is really one of the best parts of the whole experi-

ence. Never knowing for sure if you will make the whole ride

without a breakdown, or if you will be able to fix it on the

roadside? Or whom you might meet out on the road. People

always want to ask you about your bike, and many have

tales about their own bike.

Almost every time I have broken down while out riding my