A couple of months ago, I had the honor of meeting Tom Fugle, of the El Forastero M.C., in N.Y.C at the Brooklyn Invitational. It was amazing to meet him and hear some of his great stories. I was blown away by him still kicking, riding and living the life.
Well, fast-forward to about a week ago. I get a phone call and the guy on the other end says, "Can I talk with Jeremiah?" So, I say, "Sure, this is him. Can I help you?" He says, "Yeah, this is Skip Taylor." Instantly, I think no way, Skip, from the "My old gang" painting by David Mann. The second guy over from the right side of the picture, with the crazy iron cross sissy bar. YEP!
I was trippin. These are the guys I look up to. They were living, building, riding the most outrageous choppers in the 60's. A time when it was all new. A time I can only dream of experiencing.
Tom had told me that Skip lived in Phoenix and that I should meet him, but I was just too chicken to call. Well, he said that I should come over and hang. I said of course and I was on my way.
I am glad I went. The experience was pretty awesome. Such a real person. He showed me lots of cool old pics and told me some rad stories. He said I could share them on the blog. Skip is still building killer bikes and is the head mechanic for his drag bike team. He and Tom will be at the show in February with some sweet scooters. It was pretty crazy to see and meet him and look forward to more good times.
Thanks, Tom and Skip, much Respect.
skip today
Skip up front
His PAN
Skip
his knuckle
skips Knuckle
his pan with the star of David sissy bar
black and white in the middle was from the day the my old gang painting was inspired
Toms Pan that is still on the road today