SuperGoesSurprise Flat

CARISSA ROCKWELL’S 1947 FLATHEAD CUSTOM

HOT BIKE: HOW LONG HAVE YOU HAD THE BIKE?

CARISSA ROCKWELL: Since 2013.

HB: WHAT MADE YOU BUILD THIS BIKE?

CR: My father and his crew, specifically Mr. Richard Linn from Groton Cycle Center, built the bike for me. It was a surprise gift for me that was put in a local motorcycle show at the Syracuse, New York, swap meet. When it took first place, they called my name to collect the plaque. That’s when I found out about the surprise build.

HB: WHAT KIND OF LOOK WERE YOU GOING FOR?

CR: Old-school bobber look of the 1960s.

HB: WHAT IS DIFFERENT RIDING A FLATHEAD?

CR: Of course the look and sound are different, but so is the feel. It’s a nostalgic feeling you get; it forces you to focus on the ride, the road, and yourself. There’s no interruptions, no worries. Just you and the opportunity for whatever the open road brings.

HB: WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE PART OF THIS BIKE?

CR: The short history I have with it so far. I can’t say that I don’t enjoy the looks, questions, and surprises on people’s faces when I lift my leg around it and pull my helmet off. Not to mention its pretty color.

HB: HOW DO PEOPLE REACT WHEN THEY SEE THE BIKE?

CR: All smiles, of course! It’s a bike you can’t resist asking questions about. I welcome the curiosity and conversations.

HB: HOW OFTEN DO YOU RIDE IT?

CR: Not nearly as much as I want to. But like anyone else with active seven-year-old and veyear-old girls, I look to include them in whatever I can. So when I do get out, the kids are excited to be a part of the action. Whether I’m riding my ’47 or my 1999 Sportster, it’s a family event to be on the road with my kids, husband, parents, brother, and in-laws. When we get together to ride, there’s nothing better in the world.