Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/787665
10 nMarch 2017n www.thunderpress.net THUNDER PRESS by Felicia Morgan COMPTON, CALIF., DEC. 10— It's a pretty big deal when a guy turns 70 years old and there's a philosoph- ical saying about only being as old as you feel that is usually shared by elderly folks as a means of encour- agement, but that sentiment can be taken just one step further. It can be stated that maybe you're only as old as those you surround yourself with. At least, that seems to be the case when it comes to one Mike "Fass Mikey" Vils. Back in 1946, when the fi rst bikini bathing suit made its way down a Paris runway, Honda started selling pushbikes fi tted with 50cc gener- ator engines designed for use with army fi eld phones and Harry Truman declared the end of World War II, our little Mikey came into the world and the place ain't been the same since. Known as a wild child since the good ol' days, Vils has left an indelible bootprint as he's lived his life out loud, zipping his way across racetracks, back roads and horse trails all across the country. If you're lucky enough to spend any time around the lanky 6'2" septuagenarian these days you'll fi nd yourself wondering just how time has managed to skip over him because, well, somebody just forgot to inform the guy that he's a senior citizen. When his family decided to throw a little soiree to celebrate the leader of the clan's longevity, the fi rst thing on the list was to fi nd an acceptable venue. With "kitschy" at the top of the list, the tribe was thrilled when they managed to secure the Compton Hunting and Fishing Club. Appointed with all things dead and stuffed, the family added personal decorations reminding everyone that Mike was headed in that same direction and is, technically, "Over the Hill." The Vils family is nothing if not hilarious. There was plenty to keep folks enter- tained as they scoped out the variety of embalmed wildlife adorning the place that's nestled up against the 710 freeway in a seedy neighborhood that makes you glad there's a gate surrounding the property. The club is also home to a shooting range. It was perfect. The fi replace was stoked with plenty of wood all evening and relaxed seating afforded all the comforts of home as folks milled about visiting, noshing and catching up with family and friends as Mike grilled up tasty treats. As the father of three daughters and with two granddaughters, Mikey has spent a lifetime raising, mentoring and reaching out to his children, his children's circle of friends and the extended circles, as well. Mike never met a stranger and the crowd that came out to celebrate with the Vils ran the length of the age chart. One thing was obvious: Mike Vils is a very well loved and respected man. Mike tells tales about his early racing days from 1963 and still owns the leathers he wore when he sported a 28" waist. He reminisces about meeting Big Daddy Ed Roth at a bike show in 1965 and the pivotal moment in his life when he won a motorcycle sweepstakes in San Bernardino at a car show's motorcycle division. Mike started winning races in 1969, scoring 22 sweepstakes trophies from places like the Riverside Grand Prix, Ascot, San Bernardino and Long Beach. He worked for Yamaha, which is where he met his beautiful bride Irma, and it wasn't long before the two were insep- arable. His motorcycles have been in various magazines like Chopper, Gala, and T HUNDER PRESS as well as used in advertising campaigns and his antique Harley was recently used in the made-for-TV show Harley and the Davidsons. Mike has ridden in several vintage rides like Steven Wright's Atascadero run and the 49-Mile Ride through San Francisco as well as com- peting in the coast-to-coast Motorcycle Cannonball races but for this night he donned his cowboy hat from his days as a trail rider on his faithful horse Strawberry and led his petite wife across the dance fl oor. Gethen Jenkins and the Freight Shakers, who took to the front of the house and proceeded to spark up the evening with a few original tunes as well as some old familiar dance favorites, provided the music. Gethen, a West Virginia transplant who took guitar lessons from his dad at eight years old, surprised the gathered with his deep and soothing voice. The tow- ering singer/songwriter spent eight years as a Marine and was awarded an Iraqi Campaign Medal before fi nding his way stateside and starting a band. Mike's daughter Katie found the group at a local watering hole and knew immediately they were a perfect fi t for the family and by break time Gethen proved she was right. The 40-year-old musician was hanging upside down doing keg stands, trying to keep up with the birthday boy as he guzzled beer straight from the spigot. Yeah, you know, Fass Mikey, that 70-year- old senior citizen who doesn't seem to know how old he is. For now, Mike continues working as a contractor and mumbles about retiring someday. The next big adven- ture on the horizon for the grand- father biker is the 2018 Motorcycle Cannonball when he will ride an antique motorcycle from Portland, Maine, to Portland, Oregon, which will be quite a respectable undertaking for a man approaching 72 years of lapping the sun. For Fass Mikey, however, it's just another adventure story to be lived out loud, age be damned. 4 MIKE VILS' BIRTHDAY Fass Mikey hits 70 Living life out loud It's not often you see a 70-year-old guy sucking suds while upside down, but Fass Mikey Vils is not your typical septuagenar- ian. Happy birthday, Mikey! Mike Vils' friends and family came from near and far to celebrate a life well lived