Well…it is official, Famed Custom Motorcycle Builder and Owner of Choppers, Inc.   William ( Billy ) D. Lane has been sentenced to six (6) years in prison, three (3) years probation and loss of his drivers license for life.

Billy Lane said “I was very careless. I was a less-responsible citizen,” Lane said. “I’m not looking for pity on myself. I drive by the spot where I killed Jerry Morelock every day. I pray to God for his soul and for his family.”

“Whatever you decide today judge . . . I hope you’ll look at Mr. Morelock and myself and make a fair decision.”

Billy Lane was immediately remanded into custody.

Just take a peek into Billy Lane’s records by Clicking Here.  Be sure to Type in William D Lane in the form fields as required and filter your search to start in January 1975…do not bother with any other form fields.  You will be surprised or maybe you won’t as I was to see what there is posted about Billy D. Lane.

Source: Billy Lane Video

Rossmeyer was traveling with a group of friends on his way to the 69th annual Sturgis motorcycle rally, one of the nation’s largest.  He had recently left one of his Colorado dealerships to meet with the Hamsters motorcycle club.  According to the Wyoming Highway Patrol, Bruce Rossmeyer along with five other motorcyclists were riding on Highway 28 where they were following a pickup truck pulling a recreational travel trailer being driven by Robert L. VanValkenburg, 73, of Rock Springs, Wy. and when the truck slowed down to begin making a left turn, Bruce Rossmeyer tried to pass him when they collided.  Bruce was not wearing a helmet and VanValkenburg’s turn signals and brake lights were working at the time of the crash, the report said.

News of his death shocked me and the many attendees in Sturgis who have arrived at the rally.  “His death is going to change the entire motorcycle industry,” Woody Woodruff owner the world’s famous Buffalo Chip said. “You have movers and shakers, and Bruce was definitely a mover and shaker. He made things happen. You lose someone like that and it creates a big void.”

Born in New Brunswick, N.J., Bruce Rossmeyer built his first career as an automotive dealer, starting with his own Dodge dealership in New Jersey in 1969.  He opened a Harley-Davidson dealership in Daytona Beach, almost as a hobby as part of his retirement, in 1994.  During the next decade, Harley-Davidson and the whole biker culture roared into the mainstream, becoming a billion-dollar business, and Bruce Rossmeyer enjoyed the ride.

Bruce’s crown jewel, Destination Daytona, is like Hawg Heaven for bikers with hotels, condominiums, restaurants and stores which, of course, are all anchored by the World’s Largest Harley Davidson dealership.  Bruce Rossmeyer opened Destination Daytona in 2005 as Bike Week hit its peak, attracting over a half million bikers and motorcycle riders to town.

Bruce Rossmeyer, 66, is survived by his loving wife Sandy, five great children (Mandy, Wendy, Randy, Will & Shelly) for which all are involved in his businesses, and seven lovely grandchildren.

Bruce Rossmeyer’s Family has asked that all Family and friends, please join them for a celebration of Bruce’s life on Tuesday, August 4, 2009 at 11:00am at Christ Presbyterian Church, 1035 W. Granada Blvd., Ormond Beach, FL with Pastor John Cole officiating.  His family will also receive friends on Monday August 3, 2009 from 4-9pm at Lohman Funeral Home Ormond.

In lieu of flowers, please help continue Bruce’s lifelong commitment to helping children in our communities.  Memorial donations can be made to the Camp Boggy Creek, 30500 Brantley Branch Road, Eustis, FL 32736,  or the Boys and Girl’s Club of Volusia/Flagler Counties, 101 North Woodland Blvd., Ste 400, Deland, FL 32720-4296.

In addition, friends may send condolences to Lohman Funeral Homes.  Arrangements are under the careful direction of Lohman Funeral Home Ormond.

Bruce Rossmeyer’s Daytona Harley-Davidson at Destination Daytona, the Beach Street Location and New Smyrna will be closed on Tuesday, August 4 and will reopen on Wednesday, August 5.

Brother Bruce…God Bless and May you ride the paths of heaven forever along with our fallen brothers and sisters.

Rest In Peace,

Boss Hawg

This article is not about motorcycles, custom motorcycles or Harley Davidson.

However, it is about a fallen soldier being honored with the utmost due respect!  I am sure that if you are a Veteran of the Armed Forces or a True American, you will enjoy knowing there are others like you here in Georgia that respect and honor our fallen solders.

With all the doom and gloom in the news about our great country going downhill fast, watching this will not only bring tears to your eyes but should restore your hope for our future. There is a silent majority of true patriots out there and we won’t give up on our freedom.  God bless the families of those who gave all and God bless America.

Killed in action the week before, the body of Sergeant First Class John C. Beale was returned to Falcon Field in Peachtree City, Georgia, just south of Atlanta, on June 11, 2009. The Henry County Police Department escorted the procession to the funeral home in McDonough, Georgia.  A simple notice in local papers indicated the road route to be taken and the approximate time.  Nowadays one can be led to believe that America no longer respects honor and no longer honors sacrifice outside the military.  Be it known that there are many places in this land where people still recognize the courage and impact of total self-sacrifice.  Here in the South, Georgia remains one of those graceful places.

The link below is a short travelogue of that day’s remarkable and painful journey. But only watch this if you wish to have some of your faith in people restored.

I’m honored to have watched this, I hope that you are too.  God Bless America and God Bless Sergeant First Class John C. Beale.  May he ride in the paths of heaven forever along with my fallen brothers and sisters.

Well worth watching, please share widely and pass on to all you have in your address book.

Rest In Peace Brother,

Boss Hawg

Brass Balls Bobbers Sneak Peak of the 69 Chopper Video shown below.

Building their newest V-Twin Custom Motorcycle, Dar Holdsworth, owner of Brass Balls Bobbers, has one hot bike hitting the road that will debut its 69 Chopper at the 69th Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.  Dar will be displaying Brass Balls Bobbers 69 Chopper, Model 1 Digger, 2009 Production Bobber of the Year, and several other models of their bobber motorcycles from August 3rd through the 9th.

The 69 Chopper comes standard with an S&S Cycles V-Twin Motor, a Baker 6-speed tranny, a Crime Scenes “Vendetta” custom oil tank and gas cap, a Rock Shocks Air Shock to make the rigid ride like a softail…and that is all Brass Balls Bobbers is reporting at this time.

Just keep watching the next 10 days or so and you will see the debut of Brass Balls Bobbers 69 Chopper come to life as a true one off V-Twin Custom Motorcycle.  Be one of the first to watch this Brass Balls Bobbers 69 Chopper being built right here at Diamond Back Bobbers .

Take a look then, LegUp LandinGear is readily available for full size Harley Davidson touring bikes.  It is a computer controlled assembly with push buttons that lowers the wheels when you’re coming to a stop to stabilize the bike or to assist with slow speed turning whereas you may feel the need to lower your foot while turning.  The LegUp LandinGear system is designed to work with your legs although it will support the bike unassisted, however, please note that it is not designed for anyone that has no use of their legs.  But, it does assist those who prefer not to ride a trike and loose the freedom that a motorcycle presents to the rider.

Watch the LegUp LandinGear Video.  The wheels appear to work smoothly and you can raise them with a button, plus they retract automatically when you begin to accelerate.  Notice that the lean angle is not affected when retracted and you can actually ride at slow speeds with the wheels down, allowing some lean to take place.  The wheels can only be lowered at speeds 10 mph and lower, and they will raise automatically above that speed.

The LegUp LandingGear system is retails at $2999.00.  Installation is straight forward without any permanent modifications necessary to your motorcycle, plus you can remove it later if you sell your motorcycle and want to install it on another.   It is now available for Harley Davidson Motorcycle’s Touring Bikes and also includes the redesigned LegUp LandingGear system2009 models.

For your personalized interview, please call “Pete G” at 407-834-5007 or Email him Info@landingear.com and tell him Boss Hawg sent you for your free consultation.

The Leesburg Bikefest is one of the most consistently popular Bikefests in the entire country, and here’s why!  The City of Leesburg Florida does a great job of welcoming bikers, year after year.  During the Leesburg Bikefest, all traffic in Downtown Leesburg is open to motorcycles only and that is one of the things that we like best about the Leesburg Bikefest.  It makes it safer for bikers, and it makes it really nice for the pedestrians who just like to walk around and admire some nice looking chrome and iron on the custom motorcycles.  Ride in, it’s like one big bike show!

Businesses in downtown Leesburg realized they needed to revitalize, and the Leesburg Partnership certainly has done a superb job.  The whole city of Leesburg gets involved, folks are friendly, and the entertainment, whether it is rock or country, is top notch, and there are 8 stages with over 40 concerts to hear your favorite music from!  The police officers are nice and friendly, you really have to show your ass to get in trouble here!  Great entertainment, bars, beer, food, great people, and motorcycles…you cannot possibly go wrong!

Downtown is wide open…Ms. Leesburg Bikefest Contest, Rat’s Hole Custom Motorcycle Show, Biker Games, and Vendors galore.  The motorcycle rally events are held in Historic Downtown Leesburg on West Main St.  from Canal Street to 9th Street and are open daily from 10:00 am to 11:00 pm.  The bike show will have 17 categories including antique scooter, motor bike and sports bike.   All bikes must run to enter and trophies are awarded to the winners. For additional information Click Leesburg Bikefest or call 352-365-0053.

If you need top notch service, parts, accessories or the best dyno tune in the southeast Contact Gator Harley. Ask for Patrick or Mike and tell them Boss Hawg sent ya!

For driving directions Click here on Map Quest.

Free Admission • Main Street Open to Bikers Only • Party in the Street • Rat’s Hole Motorcycle Show • Live Entertainment on Eight Stages • Ms. Bikefest Contest • Trials Riders • Restaurants • Bars • Food •

Also, if you like you can ride your motorcycle about an hour east to the Mainstreet Bayou Boil in Daytona Beach.  We went last year on one our custom motorcycles and had tons fun drinking in the street, eating crayfish and listening to live bands that were playing in front of almost every bar on Mainstreet.   Thaats right…Mainstreet is closed to all traffic including motorcycles.

Put A Breeze Between Your Knees and Ride Safe.

See ya there,

Boss Hawg

Click on the Post Card above and listen to Shelly Rossmeyer at Destination Daytona tell you what’s going on for them, Harley Davidson, and 2009 Daytona Bike Week.

Destination Daytona:

Bruce Rossmeyer’s Destination Daytona Harley Davidson Motorcycle Dealership will have several events at this location at 1637 North US Hwy 1, Ormond Beach, FL 32174.    866-NICE-HOG (642-3464)

Saturday, Feb. 28: Greg Allman in concert at the Coca-Cola pavilion. Tickets are $35 ($37 day of show) plus surcharges available at Daytona Beach Concerts as well as Pub 44 locations and the Destination Daytona hotel. For More Information:  386-671-7103.

Thursday, March 5: World War Cage Fighting at the Coca-Cola Pavilion. Tickets are $75 ringside $50 preferred $25 General Admission. Doors open at 6 p.m.  Tickets are available at Daytona Beach Concerts as well as the Destination Daytona hotel. For More Information: 386-671-7103.

Saturday, March 7: Jackyl in concert at the Coca-Cola pavilion. Gates open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $8 available at Daytona Beach Concerts as well as Pub 44 locations and the Destination Daytona hotel. More info at 386-671-7103.

Plus tons of Motorcycle and Custom Motorcycle Vendors, Apparel, Wheels, Seats…you name it!

DAYTONA BEACH AREA:

2 Days of Coleslaw Wrestling at Sopotnik’s Cabbage Patch: Tomoka Farms Rd., Samsula. 386-428-5459.

Riverfront Park: Feb. 27-March 8: 9 a.m. - 8 p.m.: Harley-Davidson Factory Road Tour and Museum, vendor village, custom bike builders and displays, OEM displays, free live entertainment, beer gardens, parts and accessory installation areas, food court, product sampling, J&P Cycles. 407-721-9110.

Smiley’s Tap: Feb. 27-March 8: World Famous $7 BBQ Buffet, music, outside beer garden, vendors, awesome food & nightly bon fires - 1161 N. US1, Ormond Beach. 386-677-9609.

Wise Guys Watering Hole: Feb. 27-March 8: Live music including Demanufacture, Sixty Watt Sun, The Trans Ams, The Jokers, and Big Block. 415 Main St., Daytona Beach. 386-492-7901.

Bank & Blues Club: Feb. 27-March 8: The Razorbacks jumpstart Bike Week a night early Thursday, Feb. 26 at 9 p.m. and headline nightly except Monday. Toots Lorraine & Traffic, Mike Dugan & Blues Mission are opening acts. Mark Hodgson performs final Friday and Saturday afternoon. 701 Main St., Daytona Beach. 386- 252-9877.

Cheyenne Saloon: Feb. 27-March 8: Outback bar, BBQ ribs & smoked turkey legs, games, contests, live bands - Breakfast buffet daily 7-11 a.m.. - Hwy 17 S., East Palatka, FL 32131 (2 Miles South of the Memorial Bridge) 386-328-9216.

Dirty Harry’s: Feb. 27-March 8: Classic & Modern Rock featuring KGB, Lick & Crashrocket - Wet T Contests with cash prises led by Cowboy at 2 p.m., 3:30 p.m., 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.p.m. — Ultimate Babe Contest final Saturday at 7 p.m. - Great grub, cigars & souvenirs - 705 Main St., Daytona Beach. 386- 252-9877.

First Turn Steakhouse & Sports Lounge: Feb. 27-March 8: Live Rock & Roll Bands, 3,000 sq.ft. Tiki Bar - Contests, Karaoke, Food, Liquor & Beer - 5236 N. US1, Port Orange. 386- 788-5434.

Froggy’s Saloon: Feb. 27-March 8: 7 a.m.-3 a.m. Music day & night, food, souvenirs & more - 800 Main Street, Daytona Beach. 386-254-8808.

Full Moon Saloon: Feb. 27-March 8: Indoor Stage featuring Kid Ridlyn, Grip & Bad Mannerz — Outdoor Stage featuring Stone Throw, BroadBentBetty, Hypersona & more — Best Bootie Contests — Home of the $2 Bloody Marys & $3 Margaritas - 700 Main St., Daytona Beach. 386- 253-1944.

Gilly’s Pub 44 Riverfront: Feb. 27, 2009 - March 8: Live entertainment everyday Noon-2 a.m. - Dan Lawson, L 3-36, Steve Hagman, Riverdan Band, & Mini Kiss - Huge Patio to sight see - Great Food - 115 Main St., Daytona Beach. 386-226-3000.

Gold Wing Getaway Vendor Show: Feb. 27 - March 8.  9 a.m. - 5 p.m.: Vendor sales, Pin striping, air brush artists, leathers, tires, chrome, accessories, food and more. Sponsored by GWRRA Daytona Beach Race Wings. Info: 386.427.5169. New Smyrna Beach Airport - Ridgewood Avenue (U.S. Hwy. 1), New Smyrna Beach.

Inlet Harbor Restaurant: Feb. 27 - March 8: Welcome Bikers - Bobby Friss Nightly from 7 p.m.-until - Key West Sally from 2/27-3/4 1-6 p.m. - Riverfront breakfast Sat. & Sun. 8-10:30 a.m. Gift shop open 11 a.m daily - 133 Inlet Harbor Rd., Ponce Inlet. 386-767-5590.

Iron Horse Saloon: Feb. 27-March 8: David Allen Coe will be at the World Famous Iron Horse Saloon on Monday March 2nd thru Sunday March 8th! , Big Engine Band (Note the Big Engine is playing at several bars during Bike Week), Food, vendors, Wall of Death, burn out pit, live entertainment - 1068 N. US1, Ormond Beach. 386-677-1550.

Ocean Deck Restaurant & Beach Club: Feb. 27-March 8: Reggae Beach Bash with oceanfront views - 127 Ocean Ave., Daytona Beach. 386-253-5224.

Boot Hill Saloon: Feb. 27, 2009 - March 8. Live Bands everyday, contests & prizes - 310 Main St., Daytona Beach. 386-257-2007.

Gilly’s Pub 44: Feb. 27-March 8: Live entertainment everyday from Noon-2 a.m. - Big Engine, Mini Kiss, Close Enough, Riverdan Band, Iced Down, Dan Lawson & Geneva, L 3-16 - Free Parking over 2000 Bikes - 1889 SR 44, New Smyrna Beach. 386-428-6523.

Biking on the Boulevard, Second Ave. Merchants Association: Feb. 27-March 8: Live entertainment, vendors, BBQ, bike shows - Bethune Blvd., Historic District, Daytona Beach. 386-253-1067.

Deadwood Saloon: Feb. 27-March 8: All prices stay the same all year long - Great food, full liquor, great entertainment - Lots of fun & giveaways - 1081 N. US Hwy 1, Ormond Beach. 386-672-3030.

Cycle Week at Daytona International Speedway: Feb. 27-March 1: AMA Pro SunTrust Moto-GT Series, Championship Cup Series & American Sportbike Racing Association practice, qualifying & racing - Daytona International Speedway. 1-800-PITSHOP.

31st Annual Daytona Bike Week Swap Meet: Jam-On Productions: Feb. 27-March 8: Buy, sell, trade - Live music daily - Good food & cold beer - Daytona Flea Market, Tomoka Farms Rd., Daytona Beach. 301-864-3028.

Smiley’s 34th Annual Pig Roast: March 1, 2009: Music, outside beer garden, vendors & nightly bonfires - 1161 N US1, Ormond Beach. 386-677-9609.

Blessing of Bikes, The Basilica of Saint Paul: March 1, 9:30 a.m.: Blessings are in the North Church parking lot facing Ridgewood Ave. - 300 Blk. North Ridgewood Ave., Daytona Beach.

Budweiser Clydesdale Parade: March 1. Official Beer of Bike Week — Come see the Budweiser Clydesdale Parade down Main Street - 2 p.m. Daytona Beach. 386-255-0981.

Daytona Harley-Davidson on Beach Street: Feb. 27-March 8: 8 a.m.- 8 p.m.: Outside vendors, all motorcycle related products, clothing, leather goods, chrome & much more - 290 N. Beach St., Daytona Beach. 386- 253-2453.

ORLANDO Orlando Harley-Davidson celebrates their own version of Bike Week with the following events based at their Historic Factory Dealership at 3770 37th Street, Orlando, FL 32805. 407-423-0346. www.orlandoharley.com/ — Warrant in concert: Saturday, Feb. 28 at 5 p.m. — Ride-in Bike Show: Sunday, March 1 with $7,500 in cash in prizes. — Free Harley-Davidson demonstration rides: Monday, March 2-Sunday, March 8. — Feb. 28-March 8: Vendors, Food, Beer, Giveaways, Music More band lineup: — Iced Down: Saturday, Feb. 28, 3 p.m. — Kid Ridlyn: Sunday, March 1, 3 p.m. — Marc Makri: Monday, March 2-Thursday, March 5, 4 p.m. — Willtown: Friday, March 6, 4 p.m. — The Trans Ams: Saturday, March 7, 4 p.m. — Beautiful Bobby Blackmon, Sunday, March 8, noon.

SANFORD Seminole Harley-Davidson celebrates their own version of Bike Week with $2 beer each day, vendors, Backyard Boys BBQ, full bar daily specials and more. The following events based at their location at 620 Hickman Circle, Sanford, FL 32771. (407) 328-1212; (800) 666-6900. http://www.seminoleharley.com/

– Friday, Feb. 27: Kick Off Day with the bands Dyno Drags and Half Time Band from 12-3 p.m., Art Carter from 4-6 p.m., Comedy Central’s Lisa Carrerao at 6 p.m., and a ride-in movie at 7 p.m. — Saturday, Feb. 28: Dyno Drags, Warehouse Band 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., TNA Superstars Wrestling with Team 3-D and the Dudley Boys, Present Rock and Ride 09, 3 p.m. with autograph session following, Hindu Cowboy live at 5 p.m. — Sunday, March 1: Bike Show, Prizes: $1,500 for 1st, $750 for 2nd, $500 for 3rd starting at 10 a.m. — announced at 2 p.m. Matt Glass and Warehouse live at 2 p.m., Globe of Death performances throughout the day. — Monday, March 2: Globe of Death performances, Joseph Martins Live 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Bubba Whoop Ass Wilson and Jeff Howard Live 4-7 p.m. — Tuesday, March 3: Globe of Death performances throughout day, Sonny Ferguson live 12:30-3:30 p.m., Damon Fowler Band 3:30-6:30 p.m. — Wednesday, March 4: Globe of Death performances throughout day, Joseph Martins Live, 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., ZZ NOT (ZZ Top tribute band) 4-7 p.m. — Thursday, March 5: Globe of Death performances throughout day, Sonny Ferguson Live, 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., ZZ NOT (ZZ Top tribute band) 4-7 p.m. — Friday, March 6: Globe of Death performing throughout the day, Joseph Martins Live 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., biker books author Edward Winterholder signing and book sale 4-7 p.m., band Second Helping (Lynard Skynard tribute band) 5-7 p.m. — Saturday, March 7: Globe of Death performing throughout day, author Edward Winterholder signing and book sale, band Crash Rocket 1-4 p.m., band Second Helping (Lynard Skynard tribute band) 5-7 p.m. — Sunday, March 8: Globe of Death performances all day. Halftime Band 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and Sonny Ferguson Live 3-7 p.m.

These Colors Don't Run

My Friends, a fellow American passed this to me today and asked if I would post it here at Diamondback Bobbers.  Gladly I said to him.  I told him that I am a Vietnam Era War Veteran, having proudly served in the US Army’s Big Red 1.  And, two things that are certain…I love my country and I love motorcycles!

It just goes to show you what some of the world thinks of us and most of all what a lot of the French think when you are in their country.  If you do not believe me, take a trip to Paris (I was there in the military several times for joint military exercises with French Canadian Soldiers) without speaking French and be dressed in an American Military Uniform! Therefore I would like to pass along my friend’s little quotes that he sent to me today.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

When in England , at a fairly large conference, Colin Powell was asked by the Archbishop of Canterbury if Iraq were just an example of empire building by President George W. Bush.

Colin Powell answered by saying, “Over the years, the United States has sent many of its fine young men and women into great peril to fight for freedom beyond our borders.  The only amount of land we have ever asked for in return is enough to bury those that did not return.”

You could have heard a pin drop.

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There was a conference in France where a number of international engineers were taking part, including French and American. During a break, one of the French engineers came back into the room saying “Have you heard the latest dumb stunt President Bush has done? He has sent an aircraft carrier to Indonesia to help the tsunami victims. What does he intended to do, bomb them?”

A Boeing engineer stood up and replied quietly: “Our carriers have three hospitals on board that can treat several hundred people; they are nuclear powered and can supply emergency electrical power to shore facilities; they have three cafeterias with the capacity to feed 3,000 people three meals a day, they can produce several thousand gallons of fresh water from sea water each day, and they carry half a dozen helicopters for use in transporting victims and injured to and from their flight deck. We have eleven such ships; how many does France have?”

You could have heard a pin drop.

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A U.S. Navy Admiral was attending a naval conference that included Admirals from the U.S. , English, Canadian, Australian and French Navies.  At a cocktail reception, he found himself standing with a large group of Officers that included personnel from most of those countries.

Everyone was chatting away in English as they sipped their drinks but a French admiral suddenly complained that, whereas Europeans learn many languages, Americans learn only English. He then asked, “Why is it that we always have to speak English in these conferences rather than speaking French?”

Without hesitating, the American Admiral replied “Maybe it’ s because the Brits, Canadians, Aussies and Americans arranged it so you wouldn’t have to speak German.”

You could have heard a pin drop.

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AND THIS STORY FITS RIGHT IN WITH THE ABOVE…Robert Whiting, an elderly gentleman of 83, arrived in Paris by plane. At French Customs, he took a few minutes to locate his passport in his carry on.

‘You have been to France before, monsieur?’ the customs officer asked sarcastically.

Mr. Whiting admitted that he had been to France previously.

‘Then you should know enough to have your passport ready.’

The American said, ‘The last time I was here, I didn’t have to show it.

‘Impossible.  Americans always have to show your passports on arrival in France!’

The American senior gave the cocky Frenchman a long hard look. Then he quietly explained, “Well, when I came ashore at Omaha Beach on D-Day in 1944 to help liberate this country, I couldn’t find a single Frenchmen to show a passport to.”

If you are proud to be an American, pass this on!

Willie G. Davidson will now join the ranks of these famous designers given the same award in the past:  Harley Earl, Tom Gale, Chuck Jordan, Sergio Pininfarina, Nuccio Bertone, Raymond Loewy, Bruno Sacco, Giorgetto Giugiaro, Chuck Pelly, Jack Telnack and Marcello Gandini.

For those of you that do not know, Willie G. Davidson is the Grandson of one of the original founders of Harley-Davidson.  He  studied graphic arts in Wisconsin before attending the Art Center College of Design in Los Angeles, California.  After graduating from the Art Center, he held positions at Brook Stevens Associates where hes designed furniture and outboard motors.  Then Willy G. held employment at some of the major automakers which included Ford. However, his design interests were heavily influenced by his grandfather’s love for the Harley Davidson Motorcycle and the custom motorcycle scene in California which led him begin to designing custom motorcycles as a hobby.

He joined the design department at Harley Davidson in 1963 which in turn lead to the design of several of the motorcycle company’s most admired motorcycles.  Willie G. Davidson was the instrumental force behind Harley Davidson’s designs of the Super Glide which was my first Harley Davidson motorcycle, the Low Rider and the Fat Boy. His artistic design vision and love for riding motorcycles have made him a legend among throngs and throngs of motorcycle enthusiasts worldwide.

Willie G. Davidson will be presented this prestigious award during the Eyes On Design 2009 weekend events which take place June 19, 20 and 21, 2009 in Detroit, Michigan.  Please join me in congratulating Willie G. and his influence in making the Harley Davidson motorcycle and custom motorcycle marketplace what it is today.