Article By: Chris Callen Photos By Melissa Shoemaker
M
any among our culture regard an award from Willie's Tropical Choppertime Show as the crowning achievement in our greasy little careers. To get called up on that stage and harassed by one of the most obnoxious masters of ceremony, well it just doesn't get any better than that for tramps like us. Oh sure, proceeds from the day go to a great cause, The Veteran's Support Fund and it has become a last refuge in Daytona for cheap beer, good music and a laid back day, but the trophy man....
16 June ‘18
- CYCLE SOURCE MAGAZINE
To walk away with the title of badest ass anything from that lot is a hell of an achievement. This year Willie asked us to step up and help out a little more and we reached out to a bunch of our sponsors for prizes to sweeten the deal. Thanks to Biker's Choice, Metzeler Tires, Fox Racing, Twin Power, Dustin' BBQ, Bare Bones Leather, Billet Proof, First MFG, Hot Leathers, Rue & Ziffra Attorneys, S100, Paper Street Customs, Bling's, SpeedKing, Lucas Oil & Twisted Tea, Guerilla Fabrication all for helping to keep this as the premier
show of Daytona's chopper scene. As in years past, it seemed as if the seas parted and made way for the perfect day to hold this show. The sun came out early and so did the people. By 11am there was hardly a spot to be had and man it only got more packed from there. By the time Roadside started to toss obscenities around, or give out awards as he calls it, the bikes entered totaled 144 but the number in attendance was a record breaker. As Ken and I walked on to the property the first people
we saw were Dave Perewitz and Keith Ball sitting on a bench in front of the shop.... I still never get used to just seeing these cats that I've looked up to for so long, just hanging out like regular moes, but that's how Willies is man. Anyway, some 34 awards were given away and if you paid attention and got your ass to the stage, your pic is here for the world to see. If not, we probably split up your prize box with Roadside after the show... See ya in Biketoberfest!
