17 Years of Memorable Machines
When the hand-made, painstakingly designed motorcycles begin rolling into the Ride-In Bike Show on Sunday, crowd reactions always tell a story. Attendees often cease conversations with old friends to gape at a pristine classic that’s been restored to showroom condition, while clusters of people stride to keep pace with a one-off custom that defies category or classification.
These rare two-wheeled gems are typically awarded the coveted People’s Choice trophy at show’s end and their builder’s vision often inspires others to replicate what they’ve seen in their own bikes. “It’s the unexpected bikes that people really seem to like,” observed CRM’s Blair Powell, one of the show’s not-so-secret panel of judges. “I mean, who would have thought we’ve only had, like two choppers and a handful of bobbers over the years, but these bikes always seem to grab everybody’s attention.”
Creating a unique ride that garners the attention of both the judges and crowd is no easy feat, but check out this selection of previous People’s Choice and Best In Show award winners that capture the spirit of what the Ride-In Show is all about. Sunday, August 3 marks the 17th annual event and we expect the competition to be fierce. Finish up those last minute mods and join us at Sewickley’s War Memorial Park starting at 9am with trophies awarded at 3.
Dave Williams Triton
With a pair of 1960s Buick Riviera headlights sculpted into the handmade fuel tank, an immaculately restored 750 Bonneville engine and tiny, functioning propellers inside the chromed, Dunstall mufflers, New Yorker Dave Williams Triton was a frequent People’s Choice Award winner at several of the earliest events. The featherbed special attracted trophies like a Hayabusa draws speeding fines as it created buzz wherever it was parked.
Hollerin’ Jerry McGinty (his claimed moniker) built a 200cc Chinese-made single into one of the more inspired, and let’s be honest- bizarre- entries ever. The custom-welded hardtail chopper chassis, apehanger handlebars and extended springer forks caused several judges to question why McGinty’s ride was even permitted entry into a cafe racer show, and for good reason. The impassioned reaction by the crowd proved otherwise, as the collection of oddball adornments, including miniature water pail velocity stacks, a Molotov cocktail fluid reservoir and tree climbing spike footpegs made it a sure winner.
Ohio’s Ken Cahill is a Marc Marquez superfan of sorts, dedicating a mind-blowing Honda CB450 sidecar rig to his favorite Moto GP champion. The DOHC twin was clearly one of the most technically complex machines ever to ride away with the approval of the crowd as the sidecar chassis took nearly a year to piece together while the custom fiberglass fairing managed to replicate the svelte lines of Marc’s Repsol Honda racer.
Yamaha XS Stingray
One show attendee looked rueful and resolved to second place when Virginia’s Sean Skinner rolled in with his latest creation in 2022. “With that guy here, we all know who’s going to win,” we’re often told. Being intimidated by the workshop talents of Motorelic’s Skinner is understandable as the self-taught technician repeatedly steals top honors in several categories with machines as brilliantly executed as his best-yet entry. The bike, that won both People’s Choice and Best in Show is equal parts Yamaha XS650 and Schwinn Stingray bicycle, and 100% original. It’s the ride every boy dreamt of in the days of Hot Wheels and matchbox cars, come vibrantly to life.
Green Envy Machine
First-time custom bike builders seldom possess the skills to create motorcycles as clean, eye-catching and strong-running as Andy Frederick’s 1973 CB350 Honda. Unsure of his skills, Frederick nearly stayed home from our 2016 event, fearing his handiwork wouldn’t be appreciated. Wrong he was, as the bike’s incredible detail and seamless, two-piece fiberglass bodywork snagged both the People’s Choice and Best in Show awards. Show time is approaching quickly, so make sure you’re in the house come August 3rd to see what sort of machines bring home the top honors at this year’s event.
