Place: Salinas, CA. Handle: @thesalinasboy URL: salinasboys.com
What do you do for money?
Other than the first few years after high school bussing and waiting tables around Carmel and Monterey I’ve earned a living building & painting cars and bikes.
How did you get into motorcycles?
My dad always had a bike. A 50 something Ducati and he rode a 1970 Triumph that I still have.
What was your first motorcycle?
As a kid I had a RuPP mini bike. RM 80, RM 100, CR250 and when I was 21 I bought a 1974 stripped down sportster. It was pretty cool.
What do you currently ride?
I had 2 panheads for a longtime. A 52 and a 49. I sold my 52 a couple years ago so I just have the 49 and dads triumph. Also my blue bike that I built in ‘99 for Custom Chrome.
What is your all-time favorite motorcycle?
My favorite motorcycle is usually whatever one I’m building at the moment. At least I make myself fall in love with my projects so they get my full attention.
What attracted you to motorcycles?
Attraction is the mechanical look. Everything exposed and out in the open, chicks dig em.
What do you like about riding motorcycles?
I guess riding for me is the same experience as most people. Outside seeing the road from the bikes perspective way more in tune with the road,temperature, even the scents you pick up….its is so different than from a car.
How have motorcycles changed your life?
Building bikes professionally has opened so many doors. It’s very different as far as the people. Bike world is international and cars are so USA or even California. Bikes have taken me around the world a couple times. I have met the greatest people around the world and have made friends for life.
Who or what have you gained inspiration from?
My father built dragsters for a living. So I was exposed to a lot of nice fabrication, fit and finish. Out of all motorsports I’ve been around drag cars have always been very tidy; form following function.
What has changed your life for the better?
I would have to say traveling and friendships. When I was just out of high school I was a little close minded and content on my exposure to people and places outside of my immediate surroundings.that really changed…. I feel very fortunate to do what I love for a living and the rewards have been amazing. I feel like I have lived a very charmed life.
What has changed your life for the worse?
Getting married to the wrong person. I really set myself back. I could have done some neat stuff but was stifled. On the bright side I am with such a great lady now. We both have been divorced and find no reason to go down that road again. What a difference being with the right person can be! A person can really excell when they are happy and don’t have drama bringing them down. Life’s good!
Any other statements or slander you would like the world to know?
Speaking of bikes & travel I’m going to Rome with Michelle in November to be a guest at the Eternal City Custom Show. Check my feed for all the fun.
