Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/738714
37 www.thunderpress.net THUNDER PRESS nNovember 2016n by Janice the Utahrian RENO, NEV., SEPT. 23–24— Les Covington of Covington's MC Shoppe and Mondo Porras of Denver's Choppers are on a roll! They pulled off another royal fl ush Vintage Bike Show in the "Biggest Little City in the World" during this year's Street Vibrations celebration. With kickstands down, the bikes were staged up for what proved to be an exciting bike builders faceoff. Now I ask you, what would any respectable bike show be without the presence of beautiful bikini clad ladies? The 2017 International Bikini Team competitors were on-site for photo opportunities and presentation of some super badass bike awards until preparation for their fi nal competition necessitated their early departure. Miss Hollister 2015, Street Vibration 2016 and International Bikini Team 2016 title holder, Ms. Rebecca Abbitt's infectious dimpled smile and gluteus maximus graced photos with bike builders and spectators alike. More motorcycle magazine representatives than you could roll dice at attended in anticipation of the showdown as only Les, Mondo and Denver's Choppers could pro- vide. Poker-faced judges strolled the ballroom carefully examining each unique bike and turned in their scores to be tallied up by the lovely Michelle Avery. With the scored results, Mondo began the awards presentation with special recognition and appreciation of the bike builders, sponsors, media and the Reno PD making this event aces! Les and Michelle poured their heart, soul, blood, sweat, tears and several sleepless nights into those one-of-a-kind award plaques. Just can't say enough about them. Their vision, creativity and passion to make the awards something extra special in recognition of the bike builders' hard work and talent beat any high stakes poker hand—ever! Once the offi cial show was over, it was revealed that Mondo had been moaning and groaning about how he was unable to win an award due to a bit of a "confl ict of interest." With this fi rst-hand knowledge, Les envi- sioned, planned and honored him with a Grand Finale surprise most befi tting the old school gentleman who has had "a lifelong dedication to making the best choppers on the planet" as quoted from Denver's Choppers website. This special creation for Mondo was most appropriately entitled the "Godfather Award." OK Mondo, no more com- plaining… This pair from Denver's Choppers are a team you do not want to draw against. Keep your eyes and ears open for their next adventure that will be sure to be one hell of an event. 4 Bike Show Winners Best of Show Ryan Grossman, 1947 FL Knucklehead chopper "Alien Poison" (Plaque, freshly painted Paughco rigid wishbone frame and springer front end with cool old chopper gas tank. Also "Blue Bucket" sampler package of Lucas Oil products David Mann "The Mann-Kind" Award Billy Alexander, 1944 FL Knucklehead stretch chopper "Selene" (Plaque, $1,000 cash and gift package from Jacquie Mann) People's Choice Stacy McCleary, 1966 FLH Shovelhead race bike "Garage Special" (Plaque and LED Lighting kit provided by Custom Dynamics) Best Radical First place, Dalton Walker, 1951 Triumph pre-unit David Mann- inspired chopper (Plaque and $100 cash) Second place, Billy Alexander, 1944 FL Knucklehead chopper "Selene" Third place, Old School Jim/Jim Corcoran, 1974 Shovelhead chopper Best Chopper First place, Keith Scarboro, 1949 FL Panhead David Mann-inspired chop- per (Plaque and $100 cash) Second place, Billy Alexander, 1947 FL "Double-Knuckle" Knucklehead chopper Third place, Cody Browers, 1984 FX Shovelhead chopper Best Bobber First place, Mike Diamond, 1953 FL Panhead bobber "Green Machine" (Plaque and $100 cash). Second place, Dalton Walker, 1937 UL Flathead bobber "Split" Third place, Ray Sweeten, 1965 Panhead bobber "Gold Digger" Best Custom First place, Sherman Brubaker, custom EVO chopper (Plaque and $100 cash). Second place, Ray Sweeten, custom EVO chopper "Red Head" Third place, Dan Lewis, 1978 FX Shovelhead chopper "Eleanor" Most Original First place, Gene Shields, 1964 FLH Panhead dresser (Plaque and $100 cash) Second place, Steve Shoeman, 1940 UL Flathead Third place, David Passaro, 1946 EL Knucklehead Special Interest First place, Stacy McCleary, 1966 FLH Shovelhead race bike "Garage Special" (Plaque and $100 cash) Second place, David Passaro, 1961 Servi-Car trike "Lovely Rita" Third place, Bret Hatt, 1945 UL/FL 4-CAM racer Ole Beater First place, Danny Collazo, 1940 FL Knucklehead chopper (Plaque and $100 cash) Second place, Mike Rihaly, 1949 FL Panhead Third place, Glen King, 1977 Rat Shovel "Joline" DENVER'S CHOPPERS VINTAGE BIKE SHOW High stakes black felt, bikinis and the Godfather Something for everyone—even Mondo Winners pose with their one-of-a-kind bad ass award plaques Ryan Grossman accepts Best of Show award for his 1947 FL Knucklehead chopper, Alien Poison