State of Affairs
Every time I turn on the television its political propaganda. I find myself turning the TV off and burying myself in a magazine to find peace in camaraderie and progression.
That progression roots in an industry I love, a lifestyle I can’t seem to shake, and the friendships that have resulted of such. Most of my adult life has been spent in the trenches of the motorcycle industry, readying your bike for the adventures that are written about, working the hours to man a counter to save your unexpected trip mishaps, and studying up on how to explain to you which route to spend your money for the peak of performance with your motorcycle.
Dreyer’s Druthers
Words and Photos: Dan Dreyer
Dreyer’s Druthers
Words and Photos: Dan Dreyer
Present day, I spend my time day and night designing wares to stay relevant with this industry I have come to love. Why? You may ask why I don’t spend more time in the saddle than you do behind a screen to do what I love. I exist as one of the few who are lucky to be tied to this industry, riding and making products for others who ride. In a spot like mine, I might be better off chasing dreams in the skate and surf industry and selling to malls and chain retailers.
That wretched question I answer over and over is, “Why sell yourself short?”
Dreyer’s Druthers
Words and Photos: Dan Dreyer
Have you been paying attention to custom motorcycles as of late?
Rusty Butcher is Jumping Harley-Davidsons over step-up gaps I dreamed of as a dirt-bike-riding teenager. Unknown Industries have taken a ridiculous approach to changing film of Harley stunts to another level, airing out street-to-street tabletop jumps over the hilly terrain of SF on top of arguably the most progressive maneuvers as a team traveling the country exposing this lifestyle to the masses. The list of builders and the gigantic amount of talent present has surpassed the ability to all be showcased at two of the largest events of the year, Born-Free and Lost Highway Show. Paint and finish have stepped up to a level never seen by this industry. With the likes of Buck Wild Brand, Flyin’ Iron Designs, Valley Kustoms, your bike isn’t a six out of 10 if it’s not head to toe in the highest level of professional finish at this point.
So you ask, sell myself short? How is anyone involved in this phenomenon of custom motorcycles selling themselves short?
This love. This passion, hobby, obsession is the one single thing I can devote myself to that carries an absolute amount of respect, the most incredible people I have ever met, and the most satisfying feeling with just one of my peers saying, “Good job.”
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Dreyer’s Druthers
Words and Photos: Dan Dreyer
To be involved with present-day custom motorcycle culture is a blessing. Share it with your kids. It’s going to be hard to step it up from where we’re at now, but I’m witnessing it happening every single day.
Motorcycles are classic. However, they bridge the gap of wandering souls in a constant journey for perfection.
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