–CIRCA EASYRIDERS MAGAZINE: 1971
I believe Paul’s stretched Panhead ended up featured in the 2nd issue of Easyriders in 1971. It turned out to be the first issue to slip into my tiny North Long Beach apartment I shared with my first wife Laurie. Introduced to Easyriders Magazine, I was also introduced to stretched choppers.
I immediately started to hardtail and stretch my 1966 cop bike Shovelhead. Paul went on to become a master of classic choppers and still is. I went on to become the editor of Easyriders Magazine. Ultimately, I pulled a wheelie on the Santa Barbara Pier on a ride with George Christie and broke the frame just behind the neck. I still rode it home.
I didn’t notice the crack in the backbone for weeks. One day while adjusting my valves I looked up and spotted the rusting break in the frame. I wondered what the additional vibration was?
Today Paul would kick his own ass for messing with a rare, classic, original 1957 straight-leg frame.
–Bandit
I sent these photos and article about Paul and his stretch chopper to Keith Ball. Was glad to see them on bikernet.com. Enjoyed reading Keith’s captions and of course the wonderful drawing of Paul’s bike, done by Hal Robinson, my late and very talented husband.This is my favorite drawing of all the custom choppers Hal drew.
–Ann
Paul, an inspiration to me, caused me to stretch most of the bikes I built.
–Bandit