Brock Bridges' 1969 Shovelhead

ifirst met Brock Bridges at the Broken Spoke Saloon in Ormond Beach, Florida, during the 2021 Cycles Source Magazine Custom Bike show. Not only was I introduced to him but also this killer 1969 Flatside Shovelhead that he has fondly dubbed Tequil’Ya. On a side note, that same day, Tequil’Ya just so happened to take home the trophy for Best Shovelhead. Unlike his motorcycles, which scream look at me due to their impeccable craftsmanship, Brock is not the kind that seeks the spotlight. Growing up in Central Illinois, where it’s often referred to as God’s Country. Brock’s a really laid-back dude. At 12 years of age, he started pinstriping by painting a number on any hotrod at the dragstrip that had cash in hand. Most of the farmers in central Illinois had the lettering painted on their trucks by “that 14-year-old kid with the paintbox.”

The whole concept for Tequil’Ya, including the name, was created with the help of some good friends and, of course, a little help from the nectars of the Gods.

Let’s take a look at this showstopping Shovelhead. There are a few things, in particular, that stand out, like the bold blue glass velocity stack by Bare Knuckle Performance. The blue cover on the Morris Magneto and the cloth-looking plug wires make the blue tones come together. The stainless steel exhaust pipes run along the b-side and then come pokin’ out behind the oil tank. Brack, himself, handled all the fab work that went into all of those beds. From front to back, you go from the front 21’’, to the rear 18’’ both sitting on spoke wheels. It is important to note that everything in between those slicks was fabricated by Brock Bridges.

The paint is HOK Oriental Blue, which was expertly applied by Bridges, who also

handled the pinstriping and silver leaf, is an eyecatcher. The rear brakes are Brembo. Not only do they look coolio but they are the only stopping power on this machine. This bike has so many intricate features, like the oil lines that make a loop -D- loop and the doorknob shifter. This bike is what we like to call a “double take” because so many small details were executed with skilled craftsmanship that you have to look more than once to take it all in.

Despite being on the scene for just a few years, Brock isn’t a stranger to these pages. As a matter of fact, he’s already graced our cover not once but twice before! There’s also a rumor that we may have another of his phenomenal builds waiting in the wings for

Owner: Brock Bridges City/State: Nilwood, IL Builder: Brock Bridges Year: 1969 Model: Fl Value: Priceless Time: 2 Months

Engine Year: 1969 Model: Shovelhead Builder: Brock Bridges Ignition: Morris Magneto Displacement: 1200 Pistons: Keith Black Heads: Stock Carb: S&S E Cam: Stock Air Cleaner: Bare Knuckle Performance Exhaust: Brock Bridges,Stainless Steel Primary: Inch And A Half Open Belt

Transmission Year: 1969 Make: Harley-Davidson Shifting: Suicide

Frame Year: 1969 Model: Fl Rake: 32 Degrees Stretch: 2”

Forks: Brock Bridges Springer Builder: Brock Bridges Type: Windowed And Shaved Stock Triple Trees: N/A Extension: - 2

Wheels Front Wheel: Spoke Size: 21” Tire: Avon Front Brake: Sucks Rear Wheel: Spoke Size: 18” Tire: Rear Brake: Dual Brembo

Paint Painter: Brock Bridges Color: Oriental Blue Type: HOK Graphics: Brock Bridges,Silverleaf, Pinstriping Chroming: Marty The Chromer

Accessories Bars: Brock Bridges Risers: Brock Bridges Hand Controls: Foot Controls: Mid Pegs Gas Tank(S): Brock Bridges Oil Tank: Brock Bridges Front Fender: Sucks Rear Fender: Brock Bridges Seat: Brock Bridges Aluminum Headlight: Triangle Tail Light: Prism Speedo: Bugs In Your Teeth Photographer: Mark Garcia its rightful place.

Brock, buddy, from tip to tail, you knocked it out of the park on this one. If you’re not already following him, I suggest you do. Go check him out at @madfab514. You won’t be disappointed! Thanks again Brock, we all appreciate you sharing your talent through your motorcycles.