But hey, onto the bikes. I had seen it arrive. I had been wondering for months what this bike would end up looking like. I was blown away, as was anyone else who wandered near.

Now I know everyone is looking at that rear wheel, but I was looking at the gas tank.

As usual, eclectic details run throughout the whole bike. Billy says he just sits down with a bottle of JD and ideas start to flow. He just kind of shugs his shoulders and makes like it’s no big deal. But the show judges apparently thought different, as Choppers Inc. took home First Place Best of Show.

Cyril Huze introduced his 2002 catalog cover bike. A neo-retro Chopper called "America." It featured a Pan-Evo powder coated engine, a very loud and unusual dual exhaust, and a sweet, art-deco pinup girl paint job by Eddie Meeks. Cyril took home a top trophy with this rigid.

A crowd was gathered around this candy copper beauty all day. Carolina Custom Cycles built this swingarm ride. They call it Exodus.