I was awakened by the sound of drums thumping in the distance, like a strong heartbeat, and mosquitoes buzzing around my ears. I could sense he was getting close. My head was cloudy and the night before was a haze of strange faces and places. Did I dream of Polynesian goddesses placing Ginger leis around my neck and tribal-tattooed warriors lurking in the shadows? As I tried to open my sandy eyes, the sound of tropical birds became louder and the banging of the native drums closer. I could smell the sweat of my unknown stalker, through the bamboo hut walls, as he closed in, but I had no fear, only anxious anticipation of his arrival and a forbidden desire to be captured.

Just then, Tribal leader Chris Tronolone burst through the door.

"There's a Starbucks right across the street", he said and apologized for the trash trucks banging and beeping outside. So much for my dream of a Polynesian Prince hacking his was through the lush hillside, to steal me away, and make me his Haole bride. I suppose Bandit would do.

Coffee was just what we needed to get us started. We were house guests of Chris & Joerline Tronolone on the North Shore for four days leading up to the first annual Chopper Only Show in Waikiki, after a 2,500 mile (from Los Angeles), 5.45-hour flight. Mark Deacon, master mechanic of Pro Street, was the man behind this tribute to island bikes, and Bandit couldn't miss it. Deacon was once a renowned VW drag racer, but now his love is bikes, machining, working with metal, welding and building drag bikes.

Bandit suddenly has a penchant to find new, more exciting rides. This fit perfectly, set on the beautiful island of Oahu. Bandit rode with Chris' big brother Bob T. in the '70s. Chris has been married 15 years to his lovely wife who he met in 8th grade on the coast of California, in Palos Verdes. His brother has been riding for 35 years, whereas Chris has been living on Oahu as a surfer for 22 years and just started riding three years ago. They're biker lifestyles were connected through Bikernet.

ACCORDING TO A PLAQUE, ON THE BEACH AT WAKIKI, SURFING NEARLY VANISHED IN 1900 DUE TO WHITE MAN RELIGIOUS ZEALOTS. THEY PROCLAIMED THAT SURFING WAS A DISTRACTION TO WORSHIP.

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