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Jeremy Cupp’s Message To Young America

12/29/2022 No Comments

Jeremy Cupp’s Message To Young America

The Marquee Has No lights…

Story & Images: Harleigh Cupp

Inspiration.. A story that can only be told from the eyes and pen of a daughter’s love. Harleigh Cupp once again lets us have a peek into her world with a quick tale of a father’s task.  From inspiration comes hope.. Yes there is still hope – RC 

You’ve never seen the name “Jeremy Cupp” spelled out under the marquee lights, but
quite frankly, that’s because the marquee has no lights. Nestled beneath the foothills of the Blue
Ridge Mountains in Virginia sits a sleepy little town called Grottoes. On one of the busiest
streets sits the ugliest tan colored building you’ve ever seen. The marquee reads, “Grottoes
Theater” in hand-cut aluminum letters and the hands that cut those letters are hard at work,
somewhere in the back with his bluetooth speaker turned all the way up. That’s where I found
Jeremy, so I figured that would be the most logical place to photograph him. (Now might be a
good time to point out that setting up an interview with the man was reasonably easy for me,
considering I’m his oldest daughter).

Shoved in a corner of The Shop is a grimy trophy case
filled with dozens of impressive titles won at this show or that and while they are all really cool
and perhaps something to be proud of, Dad doesn’t care. He leaves the lights in the case flicked
on to keep burglars from getting too curious in the night. The most impressive thing about
Jeremy Cupp is the message he sends to young America (and a young generation of
motorcycle enthusiasts across the world). He sends this message loud and clear through his
integrity, his craftsmanship, and his genuine passion for the two. If I were a filmmaker rather
than a photographer, I’d slap some cheesy title with allusion to the concept of the American
Dream on top of his story. Because to me, that’s what his story is: one man’s pursuit and dare I
say discovery of the American Dream. Motorcycles and a machine shop just happen to be part
of the setting.

Jeremy
comes from a long line of fabricators and welders of all kinds and had been running around on
two wheeled machines for most of his life. So in 2006, it seemed only natural to start his own
small business with the chopper enthusiast in mind: LC Fabrications. Believe it or not, the LC
stands for Lindsay Cupp, his wife. They had only been married four years when the business
got started and she recalls that the beginning was, “one of the hardest things we have done. I
was a stay at home mom with three small children picking up part time hours when my parents
could help with childcare. Money was tight, but Jeremy had a vision and a passion to do
something amazing.”

LC Fab has always been based in the same small town, undergoing
several moves as the business began to grow and Jeremy’s name began to make its way out of
the Shenandoah Valley. At first, The Shop was no more than a night and weekend shift in the
corner of his day job at Cupp Manufacturing. When the kids were just barely big enough to help
load boxes onto the trailer, The Shop moved across town to the old grocery store, a building
shared with a karate dojo. Just as Jeremy’s build Seven was beginning to take shape, LC Fab
moved a few blocks down the street into a building that was once a bustling theater

Fast forward nearly a decade, and you’ll find Jeremy exactly where I found him. Working on his latest project bike while running the CNC machine in the back. Machining parts for LC Fab, as well as other well known companies such as Lowbrow Customs certainly keeps the lights on, while building custom motorcycles keeps the internal sparks alive. Jeremy has rolled out thirteen complete builds so far and the most remarkable piece is that each one required (and challenged) him to learn a new skill through a few YouTube videos and countless hours of trial and error. Two of these beautiful machines are forever resting at the Haas Moto Museum in Dallas, Texas and each of the others has been sold to different folks across the country and even across the world! Dad doesn’t travel to flashy shows with cash prizes much anymore, but I can’t help but take that as a sign of a mature craftsman, one who works hard to leave something behind for his family rather than souvenirs from cool events in far away places. Lindsay notes that his greatest accomplishment has been, “our three amazing children. No matter the number of deadlines he needs to meet or orders to be filled he takes time to put his family first.

Two years ago, Jeremy was finally able to quit his day job and start working full time for
himself. It didn’t take long to realize, however, that he was going to need a bit of help. That’s where his youngest daughter, Emmi comes in. She took an interest in the trade and last year, the two finished her first custom build together.  Emmi just recently graduated high school and
when she isn’t working as a mechanic at the local bicycle shop, she’s working right alongside Dad. If there is one person who knows Jeremy best, it would be his Shop Girl, Emmi. She writes, “In the shop, everything melts together into one big, wonderful mess. And I mean this both in terms of physical tasks and emotional bonds. There is no doubt, and many others have agreed, that my dad is one heck of a father. My projects are his projects. My trials are his, and vice versa. If something doesn’t turn out right, move on to the next option. If there is a chance to
be creative and do something you’ve never tried, go for it. At the same time, if you’re feeling
drained, trapped, and want nothing to do with your current task, piss on it and do something else.” While Emmi is most-likely-to-take-over-the-shop someday, everyone else plays a role in Jeremy’s machine shop life as well. Lindsay polishes parts and keeps track of all the paperwork, our brother Drake mans the welder from time to time as well as serves as the master mechanic, and I…ok, so maybe I just drop in to hang out sometimes, but I’m counting that as moral support. Our family owned The Shop before we owned a house and some of the greatest
conversations have gone down within its four walls. The Shop on Sixth Street serves as a living representation of a dream built from the ground up by a self-made man born into a humble life in rural Virginia.

One thing many people don’t realize about Jeremy is that he has an amazing smile.  When he smiles, I see not only the man who raised me, but a genuine character that stands out from the rest of the crowd. He is rooted in tradition and through many years of hard work, he has gone from a lonely apartment to a shop filled with treasures of the very best kind. Treasure that can only be bought with blood, sweat, and yes, even some tears. Maybe someday I’ll get
around to making a movie about my old man, but until then, the world should look no further than an ugly tan building in the middle of nowhere for inspiration that will last long after I’m gone.

KEEPING TABS..

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Dean Chooch and his Magic of Making Time Stand Still.

04/14/2022 No Comments

Words & Images by Dean Chooch

I'm Dean Chooch Landry and I make photos with old cameras..

Photo: Danny Desoucey

My Childhood was spent with my Dad and his friends in small, dim garages around race cars, motorcycles and the stories they told.  People who designed and built these beautiful machines with their own hands, creative imaginations and unstoppable ingenuity. These incredible people left a deep impression on me. I fell in love with the sound and the sights at the race tracks and swap meets. Photography gave me a chance to memorialize and honor these heroes of mine. 

My interest in photography was born when I was given a Polaroid Camera as a kid. The instant gratification of the film developing in my hands was addicting. I’m now using a 100 year old Large Format film camera to make portraits of these builders and photos of their machines. Developing and processing all the film in my apartment in Harlem NYC. I’m grateful for the people I’ve met, friends I’ve made and the places this old camera has taken me so far.

My main camera is a 1923 Autograflex 4×5 large format film camera. It’s an incredibly simple design by today’s standards. In 1923 it was state of the art technology. Made of wood, leather, mirror, springs, a cloth shutter and an uncoated brass lens. No batteries, light meters, preview screens or memory cards. There’s a beauty to how simple these cameras are. I fell in love with the quality of the images that these old cameras produce. It’s an incredible feeling when the film comes out of the chemicals and you’ve actually made some decent photos. It feels like a miracle every time.Every time. The film is expensive, the camera is a giant pain in the ass to lug around and maintain but I wouldn’t have it any other way. For now at least.

I’ve had a few funny experiences with these old cameras.

One time I was shooting a race in California and my camera caught fire in my hands. Apparently after you release the shutter and mirror flips up out of the way it can light itself on fire. The 100 year old cloth focal plane shutter is exposed to the sun if you’re standing in just the right way. The lens acted like a magnifying glass and lit my camera on fire..  I smelled smoke and assumed it was from one of the race cars or bikes smoking but no.. Full on smoke and flames. I was able to put out the fire pretty quickly but it needed some pretty major repairs after that.

 

On another trip I was going through TSA security at the airport and the agent was mad because my camera was still  in my bag when going through the XRay. “ I SAID ALL ELECTRONICS OUT OF THE BAGS!!” There’s no electronics in my bag. “IS THAT A CAMERA?!” Yeah, it is but there’s no electronics in that camera Miss.. “ OH REALLY!? HOW DOES IT WORK, BY MAGIC?!!!?

Forever Now

I’m grateful for photography, the people I’ve met and the friends I’ve made. I hope to make quality work that I’m proud of and push myself as an artist and human being, to leave something beautiful behind and to capture and memorialize people who have a story to tell or a talent to share.

It’s definitely helped me through some rough times. I think some of the struggles we have can fuel creativity, your drive and your resolve. If you’re picking yourself up from a dark place or what feels like yet another failure you shouldn’t forget that the fact that you’re still trying is an accomplishment in itself.

I get lucky sometimes.

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Steve Iacona 2.0

12/26/2021 No Comments

Good Guys Don't Always Come In Last

Story & Images: Mark V

Today there is something to be said about good work ethics, dedication, vision, and an honest smile.  All these things you get and then some if you are lucky enough to know Steve Iacona of Iacona Customs.  Born and raised in Brooklyn, it would only be proper that this would be where his shop would call home.

Like most at a very young age, the progression was a natural one. Bicycles lead to dirt bikes, which then lead to cars and motorcycles.  Most take their pick at the fork in the road, but Steve decided to travel both.  Starting at very young age it was all about cars, and when the smoked cleared a ’68 Camaro SS was the talk of the town winning it’s share of a King’s ransom and a reason to begin building the trophy shelves that would in the end preserve his car and motorcycle legacy with no end in sight.

The man is a working machine holding down two jobs because in NYC sometimes that is just what you need to do.  Lucky enough to know home is where the heart is, Steve is blessed to be able to come home to the warm smile of his wife Teresa of 23 years, and his two children Marilena 17 and Ciro 13.  Able to balance a strong and stable home life and keep his craft of motorcycle building above the bar over the years is a gift on its own.  Some would say its due to his Italian roots where good work ethics and perfection are the norm, while others would just say it is the pure Brooklyn survival gene.

Where It All Began!

I have known Steve now for over 10 years.  It was through Marilyn Stemp of Iron Works magazine that somehow, I was asked to shoot what is still one of my all-time favorite bikes ever built, The Challenger!  The rest is history, at least for me.  I was able to put that bike on covers both here and in Europe, and the cover that graced Xtreme Bikes / Spain will always be a personal favorite. 

 

We became instant friends, but knowing the mind set of most bike builders I have always given him space to do what he does best, which is create.  Mind you I do find excuses for visits and to order a Brooklyn pie and just chat. 

Steve surrounds himself with a very tight circle of friends, a few of those characters go by the name of Alex, Omar, Gerard, and of course Pete Ranko who just left New York with his soulmate wife to enjoy life in sunny Florida.   We are all wondering if Pete will continue his modeling career in Florida or just enjoy the sun, the jury is still out!

I had the pleasure of renting a house with these guys in Daytona a few years ago and it was a total blast.  I am also now lucky enough to call these men my friends as well, we all stay in contact and look forward to our time together when we are lucky enough to have it.

Getting back to Steve, I wanted to take this article and share what I know about him and what makes him special in this industry/ culture.

As mentioned before, to call him a perfectionist would be an understatement.  If you’re having a bike built by Steve, the ability to take your vision and turn it into reality and have it rideable leaves everyone coming back for more!  Be it a simple modification or ground up build no corners are ever cut. 

When it comes to what I call his show bikes… he stands in a class all his own.  Winner of countless competitions along with his world recognition I use to call him the sleeper when he would compete, but now when he rolls a bike in, I watch the faces turn stone cold. 

If you ever get the chance, I suggest you walk up on any bike built by Steve.  Take a good look, walk around the ride, then walk away.  After an hour come back and repeat.  You could do this for hours and if you know what to look for you will find endless engineering marvels, and hand-crafted one-off parts made by Steve himself.  And if you’re lucky to walk a bike with Steve, you will walk away with information overload on everything you missed, that I guarantee. 

Ver 2.0 The Next Chapter

So, what cooking for Steve for 2022?  First off Steve is in the process of relocating his shop to an undisclosed location in Brooklyn. Once in full operation I am sure that location will become public.  But for now, it is taking up all his time and pushing him to the edge as he wants to get back to doing what he loves, which is not moving and painting walls.  Builds, he has more then most can handle so watch out this year as you see them roll out over time.  As if that’s not enough, a parts line is still in the making! 

You would think that this would be enough for the average shop, but let’s clear the air, this will not be a shop.  To Steve this will be a modern-day art / engineering facility.  An escape from all that goes on in the world these days.  A haven where respect will gain you respect and an entrance.  No other judgment is required.  It will be here that Steve charts his future and truly goes into 2.0 mode! 

It is amazing how many wait for the failures of others, but that is not the Iacona way.  Your progress is his progress, your success is his as well, as together that helps the industry to survive.  It is nice to know that nice guys don’t always finish last.  As for those of ill will, I leave them to the hand karma which is the only horse I ever bet on.

On a closing note, I’m sure you’re wondering why we have not mentioned Steve’s latest build that took Sturgis by storm.  That bike my friends will be shown in an upcoming feature here on RC.  We were lucky enough to use it in our last “Who’s That Girl” spread but are super excited to give it a kick ass shoot!  So many have asked me why it did not win “King of Sturgis”, all I can say is me too… I wasn’t there but I did hear karma was… To be continued …

Cliff Note:

I was lucky enough to have Steve work on my Indian Scout Bobber. Very proud to say even though this is now what I would call a modified custom, I truly have a one-off tail section done by yours truly and then some.  Like I said you have to walk the bike!

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Oh … By the way we do miss you Pete, we just don’t want you to know!

BEYOND THE CHAOS

10/24/2021 No Comments

Story & Images: Mark V

“Chaos is a friend of mine.”

This story is about a friend.  At one time in my life, I would have taken that word friend very much for granted.  But in a world that has turned so toxic, the word to me has taken on a whole new meaning. 

Time moves fast, my journey with Chaos Cycle, aka George and family to my amazement has taken us down many roads together.  Most of these journeys of course started with a camera in hand, but as I look back there has always been more to this friendship than what was just behind the lens. 

I first met George many years ago.  I believe it was during the time when I was working for a local Long Island magazine, Full Throttle.  From that meeting my journey into the land of Chaos truly began. 

It was because of that meeting that I landed a great 3 year plus run shooting the covers for Xtreme Bikes magazine, based in Spain.  It was a Chaos bike that was my first shoot for them at the recommendation of George.  I think when it was all said and done, the builds of Chaos Cycle would have graced their covers at least four times if I remember correct. 

Let’s take a look into a small corner of the world know as Chaos Cycle

THE FACTS

Hard to believe, but as far as motorcycles are concerned George was a speed demon in the sport bike world.  His first shop which was called Chaos Cycle sat behind an old friend’s dirt bike shop on Rt112 in the small town of Patchogue, (Long Island) New York.  With his lovely wife Dee at his side and a family in hand he took his craft and launched his own stand-alone custom shop in Shirley, Long Island.  It would be there he would stay for 14 years and build many of the rides you have seen grace too many magazines to mention, and in the process take a King’s ransom in awards, thirteen of these awards alone would be at the world famous IMS shows!

SHOP LIFE

The Chaos Cycle shop for many was like an old-time local barbershop.  It was a place you just seemed to end up.  Meeting someone? Meet me at Chaos was a very familiar response to any gathering, and for many of those gatherings they would just never leave, which I know would drive George crazy because at times it was impossible to get anything done.  But you can’t fire the boss for having cool friends, can you?

It was just the cool bike hangout.  A place where you were not judged, could shoot the shit, and just be surrounded by a likeminded cast of characters. As a note the shop was not a total party, most tried to respect the fact that this was the place that put food on the table for his family and kept the lights on, and when things got too crazy Dee, his wife had no problems kicking us out! 

No drama, well maybe that not totally true, it’s never a perfect world but for some this was the perfect escape to just be. 

For a small circle of friends George would often let us just pull our bikes around the back and just work on them having such a huge open yard.  This for some of us would become such a routine, that when we would stop by the shop we would just park in the back and hang.  This was the Chaos way, and from this way many friends were made, and George never asked for anything in return except that you put the tools back where you found them and stay out of his way.  We were a lucky bunch!

I think one of the most amazing memories for me will be that I was able to see the family behind Chaos Cycle.  Feeling like an extended family member I was able to watch George and his family grow as well as be a part of it in my own way.  His son Devon at the age of nine or ten actually did the tear down of my first ever Harley Softail which George rebuilt!  Today Devon is 20 and the right hand to his father.  A passing of the touch in the making.  As for his daughter Ashley, I can remember the days of her telling me and Dee as a youngster how much she hated boys.  Today she is a beautiful young lady and business owner of “Beautyley”, and yes, she now likes boys!  

And not to any surprise there is Dee, George’s wife.  Through our many personal ups and downs which I think was just because for the most part she was the only real authority at the shop to keep us grounded, she was and still is the rock behind what makes Chaos tick.  George is very lucky to have her as a partner and even though I would never tell her (but of course she will read this) I love her dearly.  She is truly a good soul.

So many memories, so many good times.  There is just not enough time to tell.  It was a blast and still is..

In the print and such

bike life

As the crow flies you truly can’t be in this industry without knowing the name Chaos Cycles.  As a true craftsman his work is second to none.  Like I mentioned before his bikes have graced the pages of American Iron, Cycle Source, Hot Bike, Iron Works, and Extreme Bikes to name a few when print was riding high and hot! 

As a winner of thirteen IMS awards George has also been invited to attend the World-Renowned AMD show hosted in Germany, attended many Easy Rider road shows, the Orion Festival, where he even met James Hetfield of Metallica, who couldn’t get enough of George’s work on display, and he has even done the Vegas thing as he has competed in the Artistry In Iron Master Builders Championship.  That one for me was super fun as he is my only New York buddy I have ever road the Vegas strip with!  And just this past September at the 18th Annual Indian Larry Block Party one of the Chaos build Thugnificent was on display. 

What does this all mean?  This man can build em and build em good!  On that subject I need not say any more.

With all that has been said, at the end of the day George keeps himself very grounded which is where he gets my respect.  This industry can be hard, cruel, stacked at times, and can suck the life out of you.  I have seen it all and George just takes it on the chin when needed and just does what he’s does best, puts the BS aside and just builds!

I could go on and on about our adventures in Daytona, the shenanigans at the shop, and the countless stories of what it takes to keep a shop alive during such trying times.  There is a reason why Chaos Cycle is the ‘Last Man Standing” when it comes to a true full service, custom build, and apparel shop on Long Island.  He gets it and does it right.

Now located in his new supper shop also located in Shirley, Long Island, Chaos Cycle has turned the page and once again taken it to the next level.  What I suggest is that you enjoy the images shared, and the very small slice of what is truly the calm in the total Chaos.  And if your ever on Long Island make it a point to stop into the shop and see how it’s all done.  And of course, look for the next killer build, as they never stop coming and they are never ever the same.

Take note from this small slice of Chaos. Be true to yourself and stand for what is important in your life.  And in the end don’t be surprised if you end up right in the middle of your own Chaos, and if you do  I’m sure that will be just where you want to be..

A MUST HAVE IMAGE BECAUSE WE KNOW HOW MUCH THESE TWO LOVE IT !

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MAYBE THE INTERN WILL SHOW UP FOR WORK .. WE DID THE BEST WE CAN WITH THE FILLER!

Meatloaf & The Empire

08/01/2021 No Comments

Story: Mark V

The American dream comes in so many different flavors.  The dreams are all different just like fingerprints, but they all seem to seek the same in the end.  If you ever wonder why everyone wants to be here in this country called America it’s because for good or bad, this is the greatest place in the world.  But even saying such words, what we have here comes at such a high price for many.  The struggle is real, but the struggle is also what you make it. Here in the streets of New York nothing is given but everything can be easily taken.  No one ever said it was fair or easy.

That is why I want you to sit back and take a listen as I share a very special friend with his own story of his never-ending chase of the dream…. I introduce to you Meatloaf Rockboy Scalesa.

Building an empire

Born in Birmingham, Alabama, Meatloaf at the age of four received his one-way ticket to New York via the foster care system.  Growing up in East New York, Brooklyn and now living in Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn has always remained Meatloaf’s home and I am thinking always will. 

His love for all things motorcycle was injected in him as a child and have never left.  He calls himself a Lone Wolf but that’s a hard claim when you are embraced and surrounded by so many, both at home and across the world. 

It was nice to do what we here call stoop sitting in Williamsburg, Brooklyn as we caught up.  I have known Meatloaf for well over 10 years now, our first meeting was back when he was with what we will call the original group of Rockboys.  It was great hanging out in the big garage that was also a make ship barbershop.  We talked bikes, culture, living hard in the city, and anything and everything that was going on at the time.  As I look back on our talks it was always about moving forward and not looking back.  In a city that can be a very hard place to keep the lights on, there was never discussion on passing blame on any situation, it was always about the next steps forward and making those steps the right way. 

fast forward to the present

Today as we sit and chill after so many steps forward Meatloaf is very proud to call himself the true Black RockStar! Always keeping his eye on the prize, he has surrounded himself with a great support system of like-minded hard-working men who ride the bikes they build.  His cast of characters include the likes, and I’ll call them by name Hammer, Kmart, Drizzle, and Lindbergh to name a few.  He calls them his equal out of respect and their mutual desire to make their world a better place to live.  Always giving back yet always moving forward.  They are a support group for each other, they remain bonded by their love of motorcycles and there shared culture. 

As for Meatloaf himself, so much has changed over the years from when we first met.  I have watched the ups and downs of his struggle to do things on his own terms. I remember him working with his now forever friend Marilyn Stemp, who at the time was Editor & Chief of Iron Works Magazine, together they put Meatloaf on the cover of that great and dearly missed magazine and really stirred the pot, making him the first black rider to ever grace the cover.  With all the kickback received, together they moved forward and shrugged the haters.  That created a bond that will never be broken.  That is the Meatloaf way.

Going across the grain is just what Meatloaf is all about, the method to his madness however is that in the process he manages to bond friendships, merge cultures, and pass it forward all while keeping his eye on the prize and not fooling himself that he is in the game to win.

the game

So, what is the game you ask?  The game according to Meatloaf is success on your own terms.  I know I have mentioned it, but these are the rules, and the stakes are always high.  As a result of playing the game his way the RockBoy Empire was created! 

The list of accomplishments under this self-created brand seem to be endless and ever growing. They range from barbershops, a transportation company, RockBoy Apparel, RockBoy Choppers, and the YouTube series RockBoy Empire to name a few. 

With the very busy public facing lifestyle at hand there is the other side not often seen by many but very close to Meatloaf’s heart.  A stable family and 25 years working for the New York City Department of Sanitation has kept it all real and keeps him grounded feeling forever blessed. 

As this summer goes blazing by things never take a break.  Currently working on 32- and 34-inch bagger projects this man stays forever busy.  Also in works is the second annual RockBoy Bagger Super Show!  A three-day event taking place August 13th, 14th, and 15th right in the heart of Brooklyn.  This may be the New York showstopper of the season with rumors baggers will be flowing in from all point of New York and beyond. 

And with this all going on there is still time to give back to the kids as the RockBoy Empire prepares for their back-to-school survival drive, where inner-city kids are given backpacks and all the tools needed to start the school year right.  Once again, the Meatloaf way.

In closing I want to share what I feel is the true story behind the man.  After setting up the shoot for me and Speedy (see the feature here on the site), Meatloaf of course came down to have our chat.  Now with two big 34-inch rollers on hand of course you draw attention.  All along as I’m working with Speedy, I see Meatloaf in the corner of my eye talking to people and letting people just sit on his bike and take pictures, he is truly in the moment and of course loving it all.  But then I see what makes him stand out from the rest.  As I look over my shoulder, I see a mother with her young boy and of course Meatloaf.  I truly believe for all it was a life changing moment as this gentle giant took the time to let this young shy boy into his world and make him the center of attention.   I could only watch at first form a distance and then knew it was a moment I had to get into my camera.  I will let the images I share speak for itself, for this is what the culture is truly about.  And to be honest this is just the Meatloaf way, colorblind, culture-blind, and just living life trying to make each moment better, even if the moment does not belong to him.

Watch out for this King of New York, this true Black Rockstar as he continues to take steps forward. And if you’re wondering why they call him Meatloaf…. you ask him.

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PAUL COX UNPLUGGED

06/18/2021 No Comments

Story: Mark V & Paul Cox

Images: Mark V & Paul Cox

March 30th, 2018, I remember it like it was yesterday.  At the time it felt like the end of an era. One of the true last mavericks of the New York City bike scene Paul Cox was clearing out the last of his legacy and heading north to Port Jervis, New York to begin another chapter in his life.  Me, I was standing in a shell of a building knowing it would soon be gone and replaced by overpriced living for the instant gratification generation. His last build in Brooklyn stood before me to shoot, I felt very lost. 

It was an interesting day, everyone busy, nervous excitement, me praying the movers wouldn’t hit the bike as Paul told me, “Just move it anywhere you want”, by the way did I ever tell you I hate moving builder’s bikes! It has always been the bikes built by Paul and Keino I end up moving, that has now stopped for my own personal health reasons, stress can kill ya. 

When it was all said and done, we shook hands and went our ways.  I did not know if or when I would see Paul again and knew he needed his space to make this move. We stayed in touch through text and time went by, I would see him at an occasional show, but the maverick was gone.

Fast forward to present!

Its 2021 and life couldn’t be better for Paul.  I got a chance to finally visit Paul in Port Jervis, New York and to take a peek at the shop, the town, the Indian project, and shoot his latest build that will soon grace the pages of Cycle Source magazine. 

It was way too long since we actually had a chance to just talk.  It was a special day as I got up to date on the next chapter in his life and to really just BS a bit. 

We grabbed some coffee, went back to the shop, and just like always he did his thing, and I did mine.  We did get to dive into our personal lives a bit, but that will stay off set as they say.  The day truly went fast and after shooting the bike and talking about things we shouldn’t I went home without an interview for my site launch. 

As the way most things go people get busy on both sides of the fence.  So, what better way to go then with a Q&A to give you boys and girls a quick peek into the world of Paul Cox Industries right from the source and the man himself.  So, pour and cup, sit back and take a listen as I share six questions that give you a peek of life after Brooklyn and the New York minute.

The Erie Hotel in Downtown Port Jervis

SIX QUESTIONS

RC: My first question, how did you feel about leaving Brooklyn, miss anything?

PC: Leaving Brooklyn was strange at first, but it ended up being the best decision I’ve made in along time. I thought it would be a lot more difficult to separate from my history in the city, but it was actually a really smooth transition. I realized that I’ve gotten so used to being in my shop for years, that it really didn’t matter where I worked. I’m comfortable with my style and identity, and I don’t miss the daily stimulus I used to crave from Brooklyn. These days, the stimulus and inspiration are more from within, and all I need is a quiet space and I’m all good. The peace and quiet of Port Jervis and the mountains are the perfect backdrop for the work I’m doing right now.

RC: Tell us about life in Port Jervis.

PC: The town sits along the Delaware River, and the shop looks out over the river into Pennsylvania. Port Jervis has been growing the past few years to include a Brewery, galleries and shops that are part of the re-birth of the area. The whole vibe in the area is really creative and the energy and growing. It’s been great to work with local suppliers and craftsmen who support each other, and to help support local industry. The town has been incredibly welcoming to us from the beginning.

RC: You have this huge warehouse type building, what are the plans?

PC: The big 4 story building that my shop is in, will primarily be a massive Artists Collective type space here in town, to include artists’ studios, galleries, shops and retail. This is my wife, Anne’s project, and when she saw this building, she knew it was exactly what she needed to make this happen. The building is one of the earliest in town, from 1853, and it’s a really inspiring space for us to work alongside other artists in the future. Anne named the building R. H. Smith Mercantile, honoring her Great-Grandfather and inventor of the Wingnut.

RC:  If you could get on a soapbox and vent about anything in the motorcycle industry or culture what would it be?

PC: Diversity and individuality in design have become too rare in these days of immediate access to imagery and content.

RC: Can you share anything on the Indian project?

PC: Sure. I’ve been working on it along with my old partner Keino, in our separate shops, and its going really well. I’m finishing the forks now while Keino is working on the tank, and the bike is at my shop for final assembly. I’ll be doing the paint job very soon, and we’ll be finishing it for mid July.

 

RC: Given the time, what do you do for fun?

PC: I’m fortunate to say that one of my favorite things to do is building and riding Motorcycles. Besides that, I like shooting on the property, and a lot of the architectural projects we have going on at the house. Anne and I build furniture and other personal items as well. It’s great to be able to live with and around the things we create.

Tearing it up at Billy Lane's First Sons of Speed

It safe to say that Paul continues to set the bar for others to follow. From the days in the East Village at Sixth Street Specials to leaving the big city, it has always been on his terms.  Forever optimistic that the motorcycle culture will remain stronger than ever Paul also extends himself outside the box as well dipping his hands in the world of knives, paint, furniture, guns, architecture, and of course leather. 

WHATS AHEAD...

Down the road look for more bikes and other creative avenues not yet discovered as Paul continues to redefine himself on a daily basis.  Taking on less client work will allow Paul to make pieces available that he would make for himself. 

Port Jervis seems to the perfect place for all the grand plans yet to be seen by this man.  Being able to work alongside his wife of 33 years Anne the sky seems to be the limit for what they have in store not only for themselves but the town of Port Jervis. Only two hours by train to the city and a station right across the street from the shop, this laid out plan was perfect.  The town is very lucky to have them, and the setting is beyond perfect and offers the perfect balance for work, family, art, and new beginnings. 

The Hawks Nest.. Paul's new commute to the office.

I will forever be impressed, but in a strange way never surprised at what comes from the mind and hands of this man.  I myself am lucky to have over the years been able to call him a friend, and just watch him continue to grow from a distance.

In closing, “live in the moment because tomorrow is never guaranteed”,  true words of wisdom coming from a craftsman that is dialed into the future while never forgetting the past.  Stay tuned, for the best is always the next best thing coming from the world of Paul Cox Industries and company.

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