Well, another year has gone by and I have this sick feeling in my stomach again. The feeling that I have to do this all over again and and I don't really know why. Do you know what I mean? Maybe not. You see, I just don't know how I feel about this industry anymore. I mean, I love motorcycles...actually I love pretty much anything with wheels, whether it be 2, 3, 4 or more of them. I am a gearhead by definition. I'm not a "biker", although I probably fit the stereotype of a biker, but I never tried to be. I consider myself a motorcycle enthusiast. I'm tired of hearing others state what you have to be to be accepted in this industry, or what the definition of "cool" is. Who cares? If YOU like it, then it's fucking awesome and that's all that matters. It also doesn't mean that everyone else has to like it to keep it's validity. Just be you. I'm really tired of all the ass kissing I see in this industry every day. I'm tired of hearing about how "cool" someone is and who he is friends with. Now it seems like every fucker out there wants to be a rock star and be part of the in crowd. Is that really what this is about? How many magazine covers you can be on? Were you on TV? Do people know you wherever you go? Lately, it's a testosterone fed frenzy with guys going out and starting fights with the locals to prove how fucking tough they are. Really? That gains respect in this industry? It's embarrassing. The sad part is, there are some really talented guys out there going unnoticed/ ignored because they aren't part of the in crowd.
I started this business 15 years ago because of a love of motorcycles...long before it was "cool". I'm tired of having to fit a specific character reference to keep everyone happy. I'm not a rock star (and don't want to be) and I'm not a tough guy trying to impress people with my ability to intimidate someone. I don't feel like having to put on a happy face to keep people happy and I am sick of having to "entertain" people on a daily basis, and then get a rep for being unsociable because I don't always have time to talk for hours about the bike that you want someday. I love to talk to people about bikes, but whenever I need to step away from a conversation to get some work done, I'm accused of being unfriendly. If I'm not working, I'm not making money and it takes money to buy groceries. I'm tired of others asking for advice and then arguing with me. Why did you ask? I took time out of my day to give you free advice, and then you actually want to argue with me? Mostly, I'm sick of having to be someone that I'm not just to keep my place in the business. I'm tired of having to be "friends" with someone that I think is a douche bag because he is perceived as someone important in the industry. I'm not going to kiss anyone's ass because they perceive themselves as the "gods" of motorcycles. With that said, I want to personally thank Dave Nichols and Dain Gingerelli for liking my bikes enough to publish them without making me do a song and dance to even get the chance. Good guys, that see through all the BS. Thanks guys, I appreciate what you've done for me.
I have chosen to move on to another industry. I am still going to be active in this one, but not on a day to day level anymore. Hopefully the friends I have made along this journey will still be my friends, even though I have moved on. I will still continue to create new products and build cars, bikes, jet skis, or whatever else tickles my fancy. That's what I do, and it's who I am, but it's time to move on professionally. I'll leave it to all the rock stars and tough guys to feed this industry.
I think now I'll actually put some more info on the blog. Just stuff that makes me happy. Stupid stuff that no one really cares about, and without the attitude that it has to be cool. I'm a simpleton and stupid things make me happy. Maybe you can find some joy in it too.
We are moving on
12 years ago
