MadMyk’s Firefighter’s Motorcycle Blog

Retired FDNY Firefighter Gerald Hanley lost his son Sean on September 11, 2001. Sean was assigned to Ladder 20 that day along with brothers Bob McMahon, Bob Linnane, John Burnside, David LaForge, John Fischer and James Gray.  These men also perished in the collapse with Sean. So many fathers, mothers, aunts, uncles, brothers and sisters lost loved ones that day. 343 firefighter’s families to be exact. 

 Sean Hanley became a New York City Firefighter on April 30th, 1997. Sean came from a long line of firefighters. His father Gerald served on Engine 151 till his retirement in 1980.  His Uncle Bryan Thomas Hanley is also a retired member of the FDNY.

Both Sean’s Grandfathers were firemen.  One of which Sean wore his shield number. This Grandfather, Sanford Degan also worked on Ladder 20 in the Soho area of Manhattan.   

On the morning of Sept 11, Sean Hanley, 35, of BullsHead had finished his night shift on Ladder 20 in Soho and had started driving home. Listening to the radio he learned of the plane hitting the World Trade Tower and promptly turned his truck around and head for what is now known as ground zero.

Sean, like the 343 firefighters, Police Officers and innocent victims, didn’t make it home that day.

 It’s been 8 years since that day and time eases the pain. Not a lot of relief mind you but enough that one can carry on with the trials and tribs of everyday life. Many families established legacies in honor of the firefighters lost that day. Some had memorials constructed, some established bursaries and some even established rides in honor of their memory. 

 Pat and Gerry Hanley did something a little different and in my mind, touching and amazing. Shortly before 9-11 Sean bought a silver Yamaha Road Star. Sean’s dad gerald thought it would be a great tribute to his son if he customized the bike using a fire department and 9-11 theme. 

ABOVE: Here’s the bike before Gerald started the transformation of the Road Star.

BELOW: Now a series of photos of the bike after and some close ups of the detail.

ABOVE: Left side

Over 60 hours were spent on the paint job alone.  The color was changed to Red and the seat redone with a tan colored leather. A lot of extra chrome made the bike sparkle and complemented the gold leaf accents, similar to ones seen on Fire Apparatus across North America.

ABOVE: Here the air cleaner is adorned with the logo of the FDNY. Also notice the Fire Dept timer cover.

ABOVE: 9137, Seans Badge number proudly set into the FDNY maltese cross.

BELOW: The front end shot of the bike shows the painted Medal Of Valor. Awarded to Sean Hanley.

 The bike was finished in August of 2008

ABOVE: Names of those Killed in the Line of Duty from the two Companies Sean worked with in Soho, Manhattan Ladder 20 and Squad 18.

BELOW: The sun shines between the twin towers.  A fitting photo that reminds us of all the heroes that lost their life that day.

Gerald has shown the bike off at many rides since. It’s a real attention getter! With each person that comes to photo or compliment the bike, Gerald tells his story. How proud he was of his son and how proud he is to be in the Brotherhood of Firefighters.

BELOW: Here’s the design Gerry had made for T-Shirts. 5-5-8087 at the bottom is the 5th Alarm at the World Trade Center. 

Thanks Gerry and Pat Hanley!

Madmyk

If you have a story of motorcycles and the 9-11 tragedy, let Madmyk know and we’ll post it.

One thing I’ve found while building this website for firefighters that ride.  There is still so much heartache lingering as a result of September 11 2001. And who would be surprised? 911 struck home with myself and a dozen firefighters in the Surrey Fire Department because we have known the FDNY rugby team for many years. The New York City Firefighters rugby team, along with the Sydney Australia rugby team have been close friends of ours, meeting every two years in a new country for the World Police and Firefighter Games. Unfortunately I have only played rugby when there just wasn’t enough bodies to field a Canadian team. I’m not a rugby player but I can do a particular stupid human trick that had representatives from each country in the world bowing to me in submissiveness. That’s another Blog. The WP&F Games is a huge sporting event only rivaled in size by the Olympics. We reunite at every games and continue to ‘do’ or ’say’ something stupid for the sole reason of making one or everybody laugh.  And laugh we do.  Except the November after 911 when we flew to New York to attend funerals of fallen FDNY Firefighters. We arrived in the Big Apple a month after the disaster to spend time with our buddies and attend funerals of the crew mates they lost.  With the fact there were so many funerals and that hundreds of FDNY were in “The Pile” searching for brothers and they were also short 343 firefighters, the funerals were getting very small turnouts. The FDNY sent out a request for firefighters to come to New York to attend funerals for their fallen.  They couldn’t have imagined the turn out they would get. Thousands of firefighters from all over the States and Canada came to New York. Firefighters came from Australia, Europe and places from around the globe.  

Thankfully none of our friends were killed that day but I saw a big change in those that survived.  I won’t mention names because the guys refuse to benefit from the situation and don’t want to be recognized. But two of the FDNY members we play rugby with were in the famous ‘Flag Raising” photo that symbolizes the resolve of the firefighters that day.  A resolve that was adopted by all Americans.

It didn’t surprise me when I saw them raise the flag that afternoon on CNN. I recognized one of them right away. They are a very patriotic group of firefighters. For those of you that play or are involved in rugby you will know about the antics on the rugby pitch after the game. Bum darts, flaming arse, naked  sprint etc. For those that aren’t familiar with the extracurricular activities on a rugby field, you should drop by a  tourney one day. You will be amused.  Stupid human tricks and songs. The New York boys are always singing ‘God Bless America”, their national anthem and other American patriotic tunes. America, you are being well represented by New York firefighters that love your country. They love the USA and are never shy about telling anyone.

 As firefighters, as brothers,  we all have many traditions.  Borders are not recognized. When you walk into a firehall anywhere in the world it smells the same as yours back home. We asked to leave our bags in a firehall in Panang. Malaysia back in 95 when we were waiting for an evening train to Bangkok. We walked into the station and it smelled exactly like my own Surrey Hall 12.  

We are all a tight bunch with the same banter, sense of humor, sarcasim and practical jokes that are a part of every fire company. These traditions also apply to the way we respect our fallen.  We bury our brothers who have died in the line of duty with honor, respect   and ceremony.   We give them a service their families will always remember because that’s what they deserve and it’s just what we do.

We remember in many different ways but as a firefighter that is also a biker, I’ve noticed the motorcycle has become a palette for dedications and memorials. The gas tank, fenders, fairings and hard bags.   Since 911,  firefighters all over the states and Canada have been painting their bikes with tributes to those lost on 911.  It’s a firefighter’s way of expressing his feelings about the disaster, in his own way. Not every firefighter paints their bike with full murals however. It could be as suttle as a window decal, shift linkage or back rest. Windshields are etched with small memorials, decals are stuck on fairings, derby and timing covers have dedications.

Look closely, you’ll be able to spot a firefighter’s bike out of a  line-up on any street, on any ride. It doesn’t have to be a firefighter special edition either. I had the choice of buying a HD FFSE in 2004 when I bought my Road King but I chose my Smokey Gold FLHRI instead (only because I had the money and couldn’t wait a whole summer).  If you look at my bike it doesn’t take long to recognize the owner is a firefighter.

There are so many after market parts you can purchase to add to your ride.  Go to Madmyk’s Photo Gallery in the Chrome and Accessories gallery to see.

If you want to see motorcycles painted with 911 tributes go here;

http://www.madmyk.com/firegallery/main.php?g2_itemId=11241But the bottom line is that blinging up our bikes to honor not only the 343 firefighters lost on 9-11,  but all firefighters who have given their life to help or save others, is a way for us to express ourselves. It’s our way to let everyone know how we feel. 

And I think it’s great.

Madmyk  

Bob Carlo is standing at Ground Zero today staring into the resting place of his son, FDNY Firefighter Michael Carlo.  “I think about him every, single day,” Carlo said last week as the sixth anniversary of the terrorists’ attack grew closer. “It never gets any easier. I get choked up talking about it. It’s like it happened yesterday.”

On that morning six years ago, Michael Carlo was talking with his brother Rob, also a FDNY firefighter, describing the black smoke rolling out of the tower. “They were talking by direct connect when he saw the second plane strike the other tower. Then, he told him that his company was getting called. He told Rob he’d talk to him that night.”  But, that call would never happen.  Michael Carlo was with his crew of Engine 230 in the South Tower when it came crashing down.

“Looking up at the twisted steel that looked like licorice sticks, I just knew there was no way they would find my son here.”   Carlo’s voice quivered as he described those first moments. “It was horrible, just horrible. That pile was massive. You just have no idea.”

There are reminders of his heroic son throughout his home, including a curio cabinet that holds photos, a FDNY uniform shirt, a specially designed quilt and the medal presented to the family during a White House ceremony. There’s a square wooden box containing dirt from the pile.   Firefighter Michael Carlo’s portrait greets all who enter his father’s home office. Other walls are graced with pictures of Michael in happier times as well the flag raising at the site, plaques and awards.

Carlo and his eldest son, Rob, who is now retired from the FDNY, enjoy riding motorcycles.   Michael’s picture was hand-painted on the back of his father’s 2003 Harley Davidson Firefighter Classic.

Motorists often give him a thumbs up or wave when they spot it.   Carlo said Michael would like that.

Rest in Peace Michael, we won’t forget.

Madmyk

Okay, How come we don’t have these already? It’s 2008 and there are no flying cars or motorcycles. The Jetsons were full of shit. But ……maybe not.

While the idea of a gyro-copter isn’t necessarily anything new, it is timelessly cool. So we feel inclined to point out former test pilot Larry Neal’s “Super Sky Cycle,” a $25,000 cross between a motorcycle and an auto-gyro — a flying motorcycle.

The flying bike, according to Tech E Blog, goes as fast as 70 mph in the air and 60 mph on the road. 25 Grand? I have after market chrome worth more than that.

Check out the video here:  Tech E Blog   I think it’s a winner.  As long as governments don’t stick their face in and demand outrageous licences and taxes. But who am I kidding, they, along with the big oil fat cats will certainly find a way to either abolish the idea or tax it so much no one will be able to afford it.   

Did you know only until a few years ago it was illegal to ride ‘two up’ on any motorcycle in Japan?  Apparently after the law was tossed out motorcycle sales skyrocketed. Including Harley sales.  I’ve never been to Japan but I was close once. We were on Borneo, dehydrating and frying like kippers. We wanted off the God forsaken place so bad we went to the airport only find the next flight out of hell was our flight 3 days later.  We were heading home to Canada but still had time to drop in on a couple more south Asian countries. We ended up in Bangkok and then Taipei, Taiwan, both pretty interesting places and more importantly - cheap. The reason we never got to the land of Mothra was because the only hotel we could find was at Norita airport, an hour away from Tokyo. Which wasn’t a big deal but the hotel wasn’t really a hotel, it was a place were they rented honeycombs. You climb into a space no bigger than a pup tent. It has a bed, sink, stereo, TV and I’m not sure if it had a head. Total cost per night in 1995? $300 us.  I wonder how much they want for an FLHR?

Here’s an interesting clip from the New York Times on Japanese Harley Riders.

Check it out http://www.nytimes.com/packages/html/automobiles/20070708_HARLEY_FEATURE/blocker.html

DOMO ARIGATO   that’s Japanese for ‘thanks’, not an Italian motorcycle.

 Scott and Linda Spain

Fire fighters at the IAFF Motorcycle Group (IAFF-MG) First National Rally from South Dakota to the 2007 IAFF Fallen Fire Fighters Memorial in Colorado Springs, Colorado, were among the first to see what Kitsap County, WA Local 2819 fire fighter Scott Spain’s custom-built motorcycle featuring red pin-striping, flames and the IAFF logo.. Since retiring in 2005,  Spain has devoted much of his time to building the bike.

“The IAFF-MG ride through South Dakota and Colorado seemed the most appropriate place to debut the bike,” says Spain. “Who better to see it first than my fire fighter family?”

“I grew up around bikes,  riding for the first time when I was eight,”  Spain says.  “It wasn’t long before I decided to open my custom bike shop — SNL Scooters.” SNL is derived from the first names of Spain and his wife – Scott and Linda.

With over 30 years of award winning project management, direction and engineering experience, Scott and Linda built SNL Scooters.  With literally hundreds of parts making up one motorcycle and thousands of suppliers to choose from,  SNL Scooters consults with their clients to find the perfect combination.  They designed SNL so their clients may fully realize artistic expression creating their own Rolling Art.

   Scott with IAFF President Schaitburger

You can find SNL Scooters here;  http://www.snlscooters.com/index.html

Build it yoTellurself , have us assemble it or have a world class builder handcraft your custom motorcycle for you. 

Cyril Huze’s “The Bravest”  Built for International Association of Firefighters

 “The Bravest” has many characteristics which make it very special to Cyril Huze.  First, it was commissioned to benefit the IAFF (International Firefighters Association) Burn Foundation.  How many times in his professional life a custom builder can do what he loves and at the same time benefit a great human cause.  Second,  this new vintage bike has,  evidently,  a fire truck theme. 

“The Bravest” bike was built through a partnership with International Association of Fire Fighters.  This bike’s design depicts a vintage look at the Firefighting profession dating back to the mid 1900’s.  The bike will support fundraising for IAFF’s Burn Fund, a program dedicated to burn prevention,  education,  research and improving the lives of burn victims.  Special guest and speaker at the event will be IAFF’s General President Harold Shaitberger.  President Shaitberger will travel from the IAFF’s headquarters in Washington, D.C. to Cleveland to unveil “The Bravest” bike.

Cyril says, Do you remember the surge of adrenalin we all felt as kids when a big red fire engine roared down the street?  sporting delicious red paint,  sparkling gold leaf and screaming sirens?

Daily, firemen experience high speed dashes to roaring flames. The business of firefighting is steeped in high adventure, danger & heroism.”

Third,  this bike is partially built using authentic firefighter apparatus from the mid 40’s that I had to discover,  win in auctions (what a pain),  and fit on the bike without making it look gaudy.  Since all my bikes are commissioned, they leave the shop as soon as they are road tested.  And I always miss them so much.  It’s when I see them again ridden by my clients or featured in magazines that I get an objective view of my work. 

 I just looked at “The Bravest” featured on the cover and as the centerfold of the Jan/Feb issue of Barnett Magazine.  Builders don’t look at their bikes the same way readers see them.   I can look at each part of my bikes and remember the frustration, the struggle and the joy it was to succeed its fabrication.   I can look at each curve,  at each detail and remember the hesitation,  the doubt and the final certitude that it was absolutely right.   I can look at each intricate detail of the paint job and congratulate myself for convincing the client that I was right before he knew I was.

Everything was tough.  Design, fabrication & paint…  About the extinguisher, it was used in the mid 40’s to extinguish electrical fires & when I won it in auction,  it still contained its original content.  Something smelling like strong ammonia.  We had to flush it and let it vent during 3 days before we could work with it to fabricate a cradle welded to the frame to hold it without risk of vibrations. 

The piece is gorgeous, in chrome with brass inlays inside the text engraving.  The bike features several vintage parts coming for ‘40s US firetrucks: extinguisher,

 search light, radiator cap, etc.   The brand of these fire trucks were “America LaFrance”

 The Bravest Will Be Auctioned To Benefit IAFF Burn Foundation.

 Cyril, this is one of the most detailed and beautiful bikes ever made to honor firefighters. What a great job.

THANKS!

(STURGIS) A parade of several hundred members of the International Association of Fire Fighters paraded though Sturgis at 9:00 am today. The group is meeting in Sturgis this week and will spend several days riding through the Black Hills and surrounding area.  The group will then head to Colorado Springs, CO to the First National Rally in conjunction with the IAFF 2007 Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial.

IAFF-MG will meet in Sturgis and spend three days networking and riding through the beautiful Black Mountains of South Dakota. This will be a great opportunity to enjoy the scenery and attractions, including Mt. Rushmore, Crazy Horse, great roads, great curves and wide-open spaces.   On September 11 — the sixth anniversary of 9/11, the IAFF-MG will sponsor a Motorcycle Ride for up to 500 IAFF-MG members/Riders from Sturgis to Rapid City.  The “IAFF-MG 9/11 Tribute Ride ~ Never Forget” is held in honor and memory of the 343 FDNY fire fighters who made the supreme sacrifice on September 11, 2001.

Click Here To see all the photos of the parade!

Darlene Huffman of Hickory, N.C., entered her firefighter-themed custom Harley-Davidson in the Rat’s Hole Bike Show. A firefighter herself, Huffman said the $50,000 investment was worth the reaction from the crowd, which praised the Sept. 11, 2001, tribute and the firehose nozzles on the pipes.”They always ooh and ahh,” Huffman said. “Everybody loves it.”

Huffman started on the bike in 2002 and recently won a People’s Choice Award at a motorcycle show in Charleston.

It took a lot of work,” she said. “It takes a lot of money too.”

Nice job Darlene

Los Angeles (CA) – The inventor of the “KillaCycle” electric motorcycle almost killed himself during a demonstration at the Wired NextFest conference.  Bill Dube, a government scientist during the day and electric bike builder at night, did a “burn out” in front of the Los Angeles Convention Center, but accidentally accelerated too much and crashed into a Minivan.

Luckily we were able to interview Dube before the crash.  He was quite proud of his bike and told us that it was the quickest electric bike in existence.  Using A123 Systems lithium-ion batteries, the KillaCycle can go zero to 60 miles-per-hour in a mind numbing .97 seconds.  It also has a top speed of 158 MPH.

Ya, but does it sound like a Harley?

Dube fatefully told us that the batteries are “more powerful than anything else” on the market.  Well they were indeed the most powerful because they hurtled Dube and his bike into another vehicle.   

The crash threw Dube into the air and he landed on his back onto the hot Los Angeles asphalt.  Luckily he was conscious, breathing and had feeling in all his fingers and toes.  Paramedics from the Los Angeles Fire Department arrived and took Dube to the hospital for x-rays.

Dube was qouted as saying “ Yes, I am an idiot for not wearing a helmet.”

The X-Rays proved negative - they found no brains.