Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/703695
22 nAugust 2016n www.thunderpress.net THUNDER PRESS by Dana Franklin Welch SANTA ANA, CALIF., JUNE 11—Following the end of World War II, veterans returned home with newfound mechanical and opera- tional skills. These skills ranged from aircraft ground crews to piloting and manning fi ghters and bombers; many were only 19–21 years old. Most were men, however, women did their part as they helped build the planes and equipment for the war effort. In like manner, WASPs (Women Airforce Service Pilots) fl ew fi ghters, bombers and cargo planes from where they were manufactured to where they were needed in the war effort. Upon returning home following the war, many of these veterans were restless and sought an outlet for their skills and energy, and having tasted speed and having heard and felt big, powerful engines, they were restless and wanted more. Thus began hot-rod- ding cars and chopping motorcycles, a passion that continues today. Currently, along with hot-rodding, customizing, chopping and modifying vehicles, the interest in preserving vin- tage vehicles has grown exponentially. We see this in perfectly-restored vehi- cles of the 1950s, 1940s and earlier. We also see an interest in unrestored vehicles of these vintages and even modifying unrestored vehicles into rat rods and rat choppers. Founded by Major General William Lyon and located at the west side of John Wayne Airport in Orange County, California, the Lyon Air Museum is comprised of authen- tic aircraft, rare vehicles and related memorabilia with emphasis on the World War II-era. This year, Lyon Air Museum hosted Bikes and Bombers V (the V signifying the fi fth iteration) that brought the aforementioned inter- ests together. Although clear blue skies were naturally hoped for, a cut-off low- pressure system drew in a deep marine layer of chilly drizzle. The event got off to a slow start due to the wet, however, just after 9:00 a.m. the undaunted began arriving and by 10:30 museum staff began tagging bikes for the invitational People's Choice Bike Show, outside and free to attend- ees. A grand total of 26 bikes were entered ranging from vintage bikes, both restored and original, customized bikes and choppers and bikes with military themes. And the competition was fi erce. Entrance to the museum was discounted from $12 to $8 for the attendees. Appreciated by the riders were the complimentary donuts and coffee offered by Ducati/Triumph of Newport Beach, a steadfast supporter of the event since its inception in 2012. To their right was a display and information by the Injured Warrior Ride, scheduled for Sunday, November 6, 2016, and alongside their display was Triumph Classic Motorcycles of Costa Mesa. Arch Motorcycle Company's van arrived with one of their high-per- formance cruisers. Co-founders Gard Hollinger and actor Keanu Reeves are now building 30 bikes a year in their Hawthorne, California, facility. The MSRP is approximately $78,000 and a closer look confi rms these bikes are priced right. Keith Oliver and Karri unloaded the KRGT-1 and fi red the 124 cubic inch V-twin engine before rolling it inside the museum. Keith said they've sold 17 so far and are sourcing an analog instrument panel for a bike for Jay Leno who did a feature riding one with Keanu for his show Jay's Garage now on CNBC. One of the fi rst bikes to arrive was a tribute bike to the Tuskegee Airman. This bike was built by Chivas E. Johnson of Stanton, California. Chivas built it for his Uncle Joseph, a former Air Force Lieutenant and nephew of Tuskegee Airman Lt. Col Baugh. They bring it to shows to provide informa- tion about the Tuskegee Airmen of World War II. Little did Chivas know that inside the museum for a meet- and-greet was 96-year-old Tuskegee Airman Lt. Col. Robert J. Friend. Lt. Col. Friend, fl ying a P-47 Thunderbolt, strafed the beaches of Normandy on D-Day, setting off German land mines, hitting German military vehicles and BIKES AND BOMBERS V A day at the museum Flyboys have a heyday The Lyon Air Museum exhibits authentic aircraft, rare vehicles and related memorabilia of the World War II era Chivas E. Johnson examines his Best of Show winning bike with Lt. Col. Robert J. Friend Arch Motorcycle Company displayed one of their high-performance cruisers See "Bikes and Bombers," page 39, column 1