Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/714189
14 nSeptember 2016n www.thunderpress.net THUNDER PRESS It was amazing to watch all the bikes roll into town and line the street, both sides and down the mid- dle as well as every cross street. This Utahrian has only seen that kind of participation at Sturgis and Faaker See, Austria. Long lines at vendors did not dampen spirits, or deter smiles or good times. Even the weather cooperated with mild temperatures and a nice breeze. While bike builder Stacey McClemry and wife were sitting incognito and enjoying the show by their custom old-school 66 Garage Special, I had the opportunity to quiz him about how it felt to listen to all the critiques given by passersby and how many times people have tried to buy his custom creations. He mentioned how folks pointed out and questioned why there was no front brake and not surprisingly he had had several offers to buy, but in his words, "I'm not through riding it yet." The Miss Street Vibrations 2016 International Bikini Team winner helped present the awards after engaging with the bike show spectators for some front and rear-view shots both on and off the bikes. A huge shout-out goes to Mike Corbin for his vision and sponsorship of this show. If you've never visited the Corbin manufacturing facility on the edge of Hollister, you must! They provide a fantas- tic tour—or you can take the opportunity to have your ride dressed up with your very own custom seat while you wait. Did I mention they even make furniture? And if you're hungry, be sure to visit the Wizard's Café for great ser- vice and eats. Mondo closed the show by thanking everyone for their participation, prizes, support and presenting the badass trophy donations to the lucky fi rst place and special award winners. As it turned out, every bike participant was a winner, leaving with a T-shirt and medallion. I just knew I should have entered my custom '09 Road Glide, but it was a little dirty from the trip—no time for cleaning. I came for the story and the making of new friends both at the show and throughout the weekend. Great event, great time and in Mondo's last words, "Let folks know so we can do this again!" 4 Corbin Bike Show Continued from page 13 Les Covington's masterpiece '49 Heart of Gold got everyone's attention Best of Show victor Fred Parker poses with Miss Street Vibrations 2016 International Bikini Team winner by Diane "Shadow's Wife" Jones HOLLISTER, CALIF., JULY 1—What better place than Hollister, California, the birthplace of the American biker to hold the inaugural Vintage Choppers Show that would celebrate the original radical chop- per stylings that some modern day builders are keeping alive. With the help of the dynamic duo of Denver's Choppers—Mondo Porras out of Reno, Nevada, and Les Covington of Covington Motorcycle Shoppe out of Portland, Oregon—complemented with the equally talented, class act of Michelle Avery, the beautiful partner of Les Covington, they pulled off one of the coolest bike shows around. In the very short period of time, they called upon the biker com- munity and their own network of friends to participate, got some great sponsors, worked with the promoter, the City of Hollister, the Veterans Memorial Hall and the media to ensure the show's success. Among many other tasks, Michelle personally created and designed the awards. She actually carved and molded the clay for cast- ing, hand casted them in metal and did the sanding and staining of the wood. Those awards were made with dedication and heart. Denver Mullins started Denver's Choppers back in late '60s in San Bernardino and began building bikes with his partner, Mondo Porras. They became famous for the custom chop- per look of the raked and stretched front end. That classic feature has been a mainstay of the old-school biker culture that was captured in many of David Mann's paintings, including one depicting Mondo rid- ing one of these classic choppers. Les Covington is also well known for the creation and fabrication of his own masterpieces. It is no wonder that these three were able to draw some very talented bike builders to Hollister, California. DENVER'S CHOPPERS VINTAGE BIKE SHOW Nostalgia on display Retro revival in the heart of Hollister See "Denver's Choppers," page 26, column 1 Denver's Choppers Vintage Bike Show, Hollister, California 2016 Bike Show Winners with Mondo, Les and Miss Street Vibrations 2015, Rebecca Abbitt of San Diego, California.