Born Free 15

The 2024 Born Free Motorcycle Show

This past June was the time for Born Free Motorcycle Show #15!

The hottest day of the year so far and the bikes were even hotter as they rolled into the show on the cool grass looking for some shade under the oak trees at Oak Canyon Park.

The site once again hosted the most anticipated motorcycle show of the west coast. And Grant, Mike and the crew did not disappoint. This year they opened the back up for more grass pass parking and the place was packed. As far as the eye can see there were shovelheads, knuckleheads, panheads, ironheaded sportsters, twin cams, W8’s and a whole slew of Indians as well as Triumphs, Honda’s and the like.

Always an inspiring event. Live music, Ive’s Brothers Wall of Death, Vans Vert Ramp and tons of vendors. The show has changed quite a bit in the past 10 or so years we have been going. And this year, I must say it was TOO BIG. Barely room to move around. Gone are the days you can roll. your bike under a tree and hang out all day. Gone too are my old riding buddies. Not one person I used to ride with to the show go anymore, heck most don’t even ride at all anymore. I know it sounds kinda sad, but it’s the way it is these days. “It’s just too darn dangerous to ride with all the cell phones and texting people are doing in their cars these days.” I say, it has ALWAYS been dangerous, that’s what makes it cool. You have ALWAYS had to watch the cars around you. But I digress.

This year too the 29 invited builders brought the good stuff as they spent the year or so building up their creations. Most had really unique features that set them off. In years past you would see a half a dozen or so just outrageously wild bikes or trikes even in the show. Today, ehh. Don’t get me wrong, the bikes are super nice and way better than anything I could conjur up, but the corral lacks that stand out. If any, there was a wild chopper designed by famed fashion photographer Jamie Nelson and built by Temple Choppers “Pretty in Kink” chopper has hidden compartments in the seat and and a whole mess of details such as little dongs in the kicker pedal, gold handcuffs and all around kinkiness.

Sit back, pop a top and enjoy the scene at Born Free with an original score Born Free Spirit by Tbone Blacktop and the AI Blues Band!