No intentions on making my blog motorcycle heavy because I know ‘to each their own’ and some just don’t care for being on two wheels.  I do however find it necessary to share with the world the phenomenon known as a motorcycle.

German, yes that’s right GERMAN born Gottlieb Daimler is known to have created the first gas powered motor bike in 1885. Shortly following, many men attempted to perfect the motorized bicycle and most failed at making any sort of income off  it. But then William Harley and the Davidson brothers took a stab at things and in 1903 launched Harley-Davidson Motor Company. But enough history, if you really care then you probably already know.

I’ve always enjoyed tearing things apart and throwing them back together or even just making something out of nothing. I guess I have LEGOS to thank for that, who knows. But before I even started thinking about saving for my first car I would spend hours drooling over the classics parked up at the local cruise in at Krystals. Then when the time came to start seriously considering my first car purchase I had an issue. An issue I think most can relate to… MONEY! Reality struck and I was forced to save for something a little less than my full desire. So yes, I’ve always been a car enthusiast but a few years ago I stumbled across something new, something on two wheels. Now for those of you who know me well, the whole two wheels thing isn’t really in my favor but I can’t help it. Though I do enjoy driving, it is no comparison to riding. I have to say the biggest pay off for me, was buying my first motorcycle knowing it was going to take hours upon hours of work to get it up and running. Sadly my first bike is done and gone, the wrenching ended and I needed a bike, at least for now, that could get me around with no worries. I used the money from my first bike to buy my first classic, a 1967 Ford Galaxie 500, another gas guzzling motor that needs attention, go figure. But I have every intention on finding the perfect motorcycle project to keep things going. My friend and I always joke with each other about how many projects we can get going at once.  So the wrenching continues…

If you get the time, check out some of my favorite custom motorcycle shops… Trust me, these are no Orange County Choppers, HA!

Atomic Customs www.atomiccustom.com

Death Machine Corpse www.deathmachinecorpse.com

Lowbrow Customs  www.lowbrowcustoms.com

Powerplant Choppers  www.powerplantchoppers.com

Check out all the other  links on Dice Magazines webpage!

Oh, and this amazing blog… www.churchofchoppers.blogspot.com

Burro Bags New Location – “The Letter Shop” On East Forsyth

So Burro Bags is nothing new here in Jacksonville. They’ve been doing their thing since 2007. It’s crazy to think they first started stitching up bags in their Springfield house off Walnut St. In fact my current messenger bag is from their home batch. This past week was a busy one for the guys at Burro, as their old location off Main is no longer. They have made the move into Downtown right off Forsyth. This move is giving the guys more store front and a better location to display their merchandise. I’ve been good friends with Matt and Chris for quit some time now and I have to say it’s awesome to see their business flourishing. Jack is currently on the road traveling to different southern cities showing off the shops work. Matt is currently in Richmond, VA at the River City Trick Jam also displaying their creations. The word is out… Burro makes some awesome stuff! And it seems like they add something to their list of goods every week. Do yourself a favor and check out their website, it’s truly impressive. Look for a grand opening party for their new spot in the near future. If you have ever been to a Burro party you know first hand they are something you don’t want to miss. It’s always awesome to see local businesses make it but it’s even better knowing it’s run by some good friends.

www.burrobags.com 

“The ‘Lomax’ Lodge” is to open this coming Monday 2/15/10 in 5PTS off of Lomax, right where Steamworks once was.  Ian Ranne (owner of Shanty Town) has taken the location over and turned it into a 5 Points version of Shanty. There will be a similar selection of your favorite brews from Shanty as well as some fine art from Shaun Thurston. If you’re a fan of Shanty do yourself a favor and make an appearence Monday night, wether before or after ‘Metal Mondays’ @ Shanty Town!

“I’m Board” is in TWO DAYS! Everyone come out and support local artist. I  have a deck on display as well as my good friend Myra Oh. I have also had the privilege of getting a sneak peak of John O’Brian‘s deck  and it is absolutely AMAZING. John truly is very talented! I’m very excited to finally participate in a show and I’m hoping this will motivate me to continue. So please, even if you are not an Art Walk regular, clear your Wednesday night schedule and be at  229 N Hogan (near Hemming Plaza) anytime between 5pm & 9pm. Also, special thanks to Chad Landenberger for putting on this show. Check out his work “Eyes Wide Awake”.

Pray For Waves

I was recently asked by my good friend Jerry to sketch up a few ideas for his growing clothing line ‘STRATA’…  He sent me a few ideas and I dished out a couple things.  Here is one of two shirt designs I came up with. Both shirts will be available in their 2010 Summer Catalog here in the next few months. Look for both of my shirts under “Men’s Artist Tees”. Help support local businesses and pick up some STRATA clothing! They should have their webpage up soon but until then here is a link to their online catalog…  http://issuu.com/strata/docs/strata_summer_2010

WOLF – Acylic & Watercolor

This is one of my first painting since getting back into the swing of things… I plan on doing a series of animals with a similar pop art flare.