Sunday, July 5, 2009

A Wing Nut History



Many people have sent emails asking for the history of the Wing Nuts MC, so today I will share it with you. In the early 1940's a group of young men residing in the Los Angeles area were anxiously waiting their eighteenth birthday to join the military and fight against the Germans. These guys grew up together, went to school together and rode motorcycles together. Their names were James Ryan, Jim Miller and Mike Horvath. Upon reaching their 18th birthday they enlisted in the Army, did their basic training together at Ft Benning, Georgia. After Basic Training they were shipped of to Scotland for more training as they had all volunteered for the Rangers. This was the first time the boys had left the US or California for that matter.
On D-day the boys served honorably climbing Pointe Du Hoc and clearing the way for the troops coming ashore. They continued to serve, until all were eventually wounded. Not big injuries, just slightly "winged." It was enough to get them shipped home after a short stay in an Army Hospital. It was the first time they had all seen each other since Point du Hoc. They were joined at the hip from that day forward. James had gotten a hold of a XA military Harley and the three of them used it therapeutically while in the hospital. Everyone there referred to them as the "winged nuts" for their minor injuries and crazy behavior. Upon arriving back in Los Angeles, they started up riding and racing again, now under the name Wing Nuts. They chose the colors of black and yellow in honor of the Ranger tab of the same color. James Ryan went on to be a minor success in the local race scene at Ascot, Bonnelli Stadium and the like. Jim Miller went on to have a very successful bike shop in the San Fernando Valley, building custom bobbers for returning GIs. Mike Horvath hopped on his old VL and rode east never to be seen again. He sends me email once in a while although his family swears he died in a motorcycle accident in 1958. The modern Wing Nuts carry on the proud traditions of the past Nuts. Even Flathead Jedd's bike belong to Jim Miller after the war and was given to him by the family after Jim's death in 2001.

The above story is completely fictitious, spewing from the warped mind of Flathead Jedd. But who knows years from now it may become accepted fact as do many things posted on the internet. Because after all if someone took the time to write it, it must be true!

FHJ

Jimmie Kimble


Another fine example of a bobbed bike by a BFMC member.

Boozefighter Excursion


Very cool picture of some of the BFMC out for a ride. Stopping off for a beer. If any of you are like me and I know you are, after you are done oogling the bikes, you look deeper into the picture. I like to check out the fashions, both of the bikes and the riders. You know, make sure my "period" bike is correct. Make sure the clothing we are making at NLAMC is correct. But after that I look past the foreground and try and identify the location, the business, etc. Well this one paid off for me. As I'm looking at the hand written caption around the photo, two things caught my eye. "Rockstore" and "Mint Cyn" I immediately said to myself, "cool the rock store. a SoCal landmark we all know it." Then upon looking closer, I realized it was not the Calabasas Rock Store, but it sure looked familiar. Then there was "Mint Cyn." Wait I know Mint Cyn. There's a road around my house called that and then it clicked. The area of Mint Cyn is now called Agua Dulce. It's just down the road from my place. And the building is "Le Chen" a Fancy French restaurant on Sierra Hwy. (Yes a French place called "The Dog!") It's still there. Original building not too much has changed. So yes, you can bet your ass I'll be riding over there and taking a picture in front of the place and park my UL where heroes of the past did the same and I'll soak up some of the karma.

FHJ

Saturday, July 4, 2009

Possibly Jimmie Kimble?


Nice VL front end. Reminds me of you Jeff!

Happy 4th of July!


God bless America!

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Knuckle Bobber Dresser


Interesting mods and add ons. I like the wheel disk and front fender, but why add the wind screen and all the stuff at the back. Wait a minute. I know what this is. It's the MULLET bike. Business up front and party in the back!

Coon Tail Knuckle...again

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Bike and Buick

Knuckle buster


So let me get this straight. I sell the bike or you leave me. I'll keep the bike and the baby.

Monday, June 29, 2009

This is for you Wes!


I'm trying to keep you motivated in your build Wes. I hope it's working, cuz posting all these Indian pics is killing my rep!

Sunday, June 28, 2009