Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/714189
13 www.thunderpress.net THUNDER PRESS nSeptember 2016n at the end of Seventh Street. Monte and his performance partner, Gary Laurette, race their bikes around the inside of an 18-foot steel globe. If two motorcycles weren't enough, add to that one Reverend Rich, the announcer, standing at the bottom of the globe while the two riders raced around him, at times scarcely more than an inch away from each other. Monte is a motorcycle stuntman in movies like Terminator 3 riding a Fat Boy or crashing through a building at the end of a crane hook, riding onto a mov- ing train as Adam Sandler in Bedtime Stories, having bombs explode around him as his bike goes down in Chain Reaction or more recently doubling for Will Farrell as he rides through a house in Daddy's Home. Monte has appeared in over 66 fi lms crashing his way to a paycheck and giving the credit to Jesus for surviving. The Straight-Up Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Stunt Show had its share of danger as the two Harleys rode toward each other and did wheelies as they passed each other within inches. They also left about 10 pounds of melted rubber on the street from the burnouts and doughnuts they were spinning. Originally presented by Russ Brown the Motorcycle Attorney's booth, the Slow Race was moved to Monte's area about midway through the event and Reverend Rich took over the announcing duties. Anyone could enter and crowd favorite Becky Whelan of Clear Lake was the reigning champ going into the Sunday fi nals but was beat out in the last race by her husband Mike. The bike shows this year were held at the Veterans Memorial Building on San Benito Street. On Friday, Denver's Choppers put on an old-school bike show. There was even a Triumph that was modeled after the one Marlon Brando rode in The Wild Ones, including the trophy tied to the by Janice the Utahrian HOLLISTER, CALIF., JULY 2— Owners and builders brought their prized creations to compete in the annual Hollister Independence Rally Motorcycle show hosted by Corbin and held in the heart of downtown on San Benito Street at the awesome Veteran's Memorial Center. The bike show was sanctioned and judged by the International Master Bike Builders Association (IMBBA). So you might think you're a master bike builder, huh? Maybe not—master bike builder and judge Mondo Porras, owner of the renowned Denver's Choppers, explained that there are leveled certifi cations to achieve that designation. It's not all about how much you spent to build it, but how you built it. Their website masterbikebuilders.com is headed up with "Craftsmanship comes from the heart… not just the parts." The orga- nization is all about biker education, trade information, global recognition and mechanic certifi cation and is open to membership. If you're serious about gaining experience and recog- nition for your bike building skills, check them out! As the polishing, shining, fi guring out the best bike placement to show off those awesome builds, and partic- ipant spectating was going on, Reece Michaels entertained the crowd with some kick ass old school and some not-so-old-school rock music. Bike enthusiast DJ came out to see the event because she loves bikes and was rewarded with Mondo allowing her to mount his personal custom bike for a Facebook and selfi e shot. A lot of interesting people watch- ing was enjoyed as well. I saw red, white and blue outfi ts in honor of our Independence Day holiday. Starting and revving the motor on the award winning "Affl iction" bike drew the crowd like fl ies on cow pies. This badass bike built by Fred Parker took fi rst place in the Radical Chopper class as well as the Best of Show nod. Great job, Fred; well deserved! This Corbin-sponsored show was a great opportunity to see individu- als' different styles and creative ideas built into their bikes. One example was Manuel Rivera's heavily-armed and extensively-etched red Road King beauty dubbed the "Outlaw" bike. It was decked out with a double-barreled 1911 and a semi-auto pistol and bullets to boot! Whether you have radical, modifi ed or vintage-style tastes, this show included them all, including a special appearance and help with judg- ing the show from Les Covington. His 1949 Harley FL "Heart of Gold" bike was also on display. CORBIN HOLLISTER INDEPENDENCE RALLY BIKE SHOW Chrome and craftsmanship Pro judges up the ante See "Hollister," page 22, column 1 See "Corbin Bike Show," page 14, column 1 Fred Parker's wicked "Affl iction" build earned fi rst place Radical Chopper and Best of Show Beer Drinkers and Hell Raisers, a ZZ Top tribute band from Oakland, packed the crowd in Sunday afternoon Hotel rooms are scarce in Hollister but there was plenty of camping available at Bolado Park just a few miles south of Hollister on Highway 25