Vol. 1 • The Southern Throwdown
Personally, I've always run from social paradigms, those cherished molds that box in reality. And it's true that in this country we're all too prone to put good red wine in the fridge or marinate salmon in lemon until it loses its characteristic color. Leaving behind this controversial oasis that is southern Europe, you find yourself in another situation altogether — probably due to the culture — one very much rooted in praising the good work of a fellow rider, friend, competitor, and not tearing apart without basis any glimpse of good work you think might overshadow your own (which it probably will).
That culture of respect is what you find every year at an elite biker and American van show in Dallas, Texas. It's called The Southern Throwdown and takes place on one of the last Sundays of September in the bohemian, musically rich neighborhood of Deep Ellum, almost on the border with South Dallas. The event is free, and within the walls of the historic The Bomb Factory, some of the best beauties ever created by Harley-Davidson gather for a day, sculpted almost by hand to each owner's whim. We'd say that, for lovers of the brand and craftsmen of old-school choppers, it's like having a permanent erection.
The history of the venue where the event is held, The Bomb Factory, is at the very least curious and iconic. Henry Ford bought the factory in 1914 as one of Ford's first assembly plants, but during WWII the American government forced Ford to halt car production and switch to manufacturing bombs and ammunition for the troops fighting Nazi Germany — hence the name. So simply being there means standing under a roof that's part of American and world memory. Also, now reconverted into a musical temple, it has hosted legendary bands like The Ramones, INXS, Pantera, Sonic Youth and The Sonics.
The crème de la crème of the biker world is usually present at The Southern Throwdown. Organized by some of the local businesses devoted to the H-D world — whether parts distributors, merchandise, workshops, builders, painters, magazines and motorcycle clubs — familiar names among the most devoted fans like Cheap Thrills, Chemical Candy Customs, Lucky 7 Cycles, Brown's Cycle, Stag Magazine, Just Kickers, J&P Cycles, Chop Cult, Chopper Supply Co., Rollin' Heavy or the sadly defunct Show Class Magazine, one of my all-time favorite rags. There, a little over a year ago, I ran into Tim O'Keefe from Stag, Matt Jackson, Chopper Daves, Max Schaaf, Denver Dan… among others, which was a real treat.
You'll also find, wearing a huge cowboy hat, Scott Hoepker, the owner of Chemical Candy Customs, considered — and this is a very personal opinion — one of the best custom painters internationally. The awards his work has received and the impact he has in his country are unique. In short, peers you draw inspiration from, admire, and feel part of a great family with — that's the best thing about our passion for old-school choppers.
Canton Street shuts down and fills up with choppers, bobbers and baggers from every corner, thousands of people out on the street also enjoying the Extreme Motorcycle Jump and the 805 Beer stands, handing it out like water under the slogan "And as always… party first, safety maybe". On my visit I ran into Kenny Kirk again, owner of Chopper Supply Co. I recently found out he'd closed his business — a shame, because it used to be a regular thing to go to the event's pre-party at his place in Fort Worth the Saturday before, and it will definitely be missed.
If I talk about the build quality on display at the show, I have to say it's out of this world. An event like this is practically impossible to pull off in our country, especially because they carry that culture in their blood, and the legal restrictions we have to put up with back home have nothing to do with those in the United States, where in many states it isn't even mandatory to wear a helmet or pass inspections, you can mount the plate wherever the rivets happen to line up, there's no environmental control whatsoever, and car culture is appreciated at every social, cultural and age level.
If you ever go, keep in mind it's Bandidos MC territory, who regularly attend the show, among other reasons because Matt Jackson of Jackson's Choppers is vice-president of Bandidos South Austin and usually shows up every year to display his bikes and set up a stand. Naturally, you won't find any other motorcycle club there except the so-called supports, members of other clubs who back Bandidos MC's status in the area. The venue's outdoor lot is dedicated to customized vans and is organized by the members of Rolling Heavy Magazine. Seventies Dodges and Chevys abound, which would be perfect for hauling your chopper inside — I'm not very materialistic, but I wouldn't say no.
As night falls the venue dims its lights, and on stage figures like Jesse Dayton might appear, the famous country-rocker who's collaborated with Lucinda Williams, Waylon Jennings, Johnny Cash, co-directed films with Rob Zombie, and even played at the White House at Bill Clinton's inaugural ball. That was my case, for instance. There's no doubt music runs through their blood there.
Just two pieces of advice for those who haven't visited the city of Dallas before. If you walk Canton Street south (home to Southern Throwdown and The Bomb Factory), after about 500 meters you'll cross S. Malcolm X Blvd, the start of South Dallas and one of the stretches with the highest crime rates in the United States.
And the second piece of advice is simple: at The Southern Throwdown you'll find some of the beauties Tim O'Keefe captures in his photos, both two-wheeled and two-heeled. Don't get too worked up — it's easy to do, and you could end up in Arlington in one kick. I also can't forget a spot on the opposite corner from the Bomb Factory, right at the intersection with Henry St., called Mama Tried, a country & dancehall music club with a spectacular mural reading "Don't mess with Texas" over the Lone Star flag. Adorable, right?
S A N T A
