Chopperfest, Ventura, California, USA
On the Grass, under the Palms and by the Beach.
What else could you wish for when organising a bike meet. The pre party on the night before got things rolling nicely, and when the sun came up next morning, bringing friendly temperatures with it, we knew we were in California. In Ventura, to be more precise, some 30 miles North of L.A.
The "Chopperfest" traditionally embraces
a very special part of chopper culture, a true legend: 20 years ago illustrator and artist Dave Mann for the last time went down that highway to the great blue yonder. From the 70s on he was famous for his keen eyed chopper illustrations depicting the California outlaw lifestyle in biker mags and on posters. Up to this day his fans and fellow artists share the inspiration and mellow vibes depicted in his creations.
But, as we aren’t actually in the art industry, happily the day in the Ventura Fairgrounds was titled:”A very special David Mann and Friends Motorcycle Art Exhibit, an All Brand Antique and Custom Motorcycle Show“. Of motorcycles there were plenty. So we let our eyes be sucked into the maelstrom of the many remarkable machines parked everywhere.
We knew a few bikes from the ’23 Born Free,
OK, but there also were many new and very special bikes, no wonder with the 22 (!) different categories to win prizes in. Apart from Chopper, Bobber and Antique there were Radical Design, Rat Bike, Koolest Paint, Bagger, Metric, Dyna, FXR etc etc … and then there was the David Mann Memorial Award for sure! Altogether a fun afternoon spent among great people, vendors for everything from food and drink, art, swap meet, beer, bands and, not to forget: grass, palm trees and the beach.