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LUCKY CYCLES
Owings, MD
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By Scott Keyes
Photos by Sam Dixon
Jim Purdy is the type of man that likes to give back to the community when he can.
Even though he is a one man shop, he still has the ability to create some of the coolest bikes in the East.
So when the Prince Frederick Volunteer Fire Department in Huntingtown, Maryland was looking for a way to possibly build a new fire house, Purdy stepped up to the plate without hesitation.
In the end Lucky Cycles along with PFVFD decided to team up and offer people the opportunity to win a new custom bike worth up to $45,000, which will be designed and built by Lucky Cycles. The winner of the raffle will sit down with Purdy directly, and brainstorm design ideas for the new bike.
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Purdy said anything goes with the project, with all proceeds going towards the fire department's new building fund.
"You know this is a kind of deal that makes it fun to be a bike builder," Purdy said. "I mean you have an organization that is in need, and I have the resources to be able to step up and do something for the fire department. I guess they said sales are doing well so far, which means ticket sales must be good. That is definitely a good thing."
Even though the Lucky Cycles drawing might not be happening in your home town, a person can still be a part of the action with the help of the Internet. Interested persons can log onto www.pfvfd.org for more information, or e-mail pfvfd2chopper@aol.com. Also people can call (410) 535-9875 if you are interested in buying tickets.
Tickets are $5 each, and the raffle will be held on Nov. 1. The PFVFD, who has been selling tickets since January.
Ever since the beginning of the year, the PFVFD has been at most custom bike shows on the East coast selling tickets with some of the Lucky Cycles custom built choppers on display, in hopes of drawing interest. Purdy is encouraged by the involvement of the bike enthusiasts through out the East.
"You know it is very encouraging to see the guys over there doing so well selling tickets," Purdy said. "The excitement is definitely there surrounding the raffle. Now we just have to pick a winner. You know one thing about bike building is that it let's your imagination run wild, so hopefully who ever wins has as a pretty open mind, because the crazier the build the better."
For people that know Purdy, they can understand his involvement with the PFVFD, as he was a member of the Washington DC police department for eight years, before venturing out on his own in the bike business. Purdy knows all about what the PFVFD goes through on a daily basis, and how hard money can be to obtain from the civic leaders, so teaming up with the volunteers was a natural fit in his eyes.
"I have seen a lot of things as a police officer, and when someone or something like the PFVFD needs help I just wanted to be there to help the cause," Purdy said. "We hope we can raise enough money to get those guys a new building over there. That's what we want."
The Shop
So how does one man decide to leave the hustle and bustle of the streets in in DC to become a bike builder?
For Purdy he is motorhead at heart. Ever since he has been a child he an his father have always had the interest in building things from motorcycles to hot rods. What it came down to in the end was Purdy wanted to get off the street as a cop, so that's what he did.
Almost two years ago Purdy decided to open up a 1,200 square foot facility behind his house in Calvert County Maryland, and ever since then he has been busier than ever.
Specializing in custom and ground up restorations to service work to motor rebuilds, Purdy's talents are endless.
He loves the idea of being able to take a piece of metal and turning it into a piece of art. "You know when I got into this I didn't really know what to expect," Purdy said.
Purdy, born and raised in Maryland has a unique eye in his builds. He has built probably nine bikes since he has opened Lucky Cycles, and each of them have been different.
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THESE ARE THE PHOTOS THAT MADE IT INTO THE PRINT MAGAZINE...
THES PHOTOS AND OVER 100 MORE
HI-RESOLUTION PHOTOS FROM THIS SHOOT ARE IN THE MEMBERS AREA
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Take his 12-foot chopper for instance. Normally a standard chopper is 9-feet-6 inches, but Purdy extended the forks almost three additional feet in this build. Purdy built this bike in 28 days, which was a feat in itself.
"What I wanted to do was build a cool show piece in a short amount of time. The extended chopper was definitely the way to go," Purdy said. "The bike has its own flare and style, which in the end makes it unique."
If you want Lucky Cycles to build you a custom bike, you are looking at roughly $25,000 to start. Obliviously if you want something with all of the new bells and whistles the price will jump up from there. Regardless of the cost, Purdy wants everyone who walks into his shop to be a satisfied customer.
"It's all about what the person wants in a build, and if I have the resources to give the people what they want I'm going to do it," Purdy said. "I love what I do, and I couldn't be happier with how things have evolved over the last two years."
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FOR MORE INFORMATION ON JIM PURDY AND LUCKY CYCLES
VISIT PURDYBIKES.COM
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VOLUME 2 ISSUE 3 - JANUARY 2008
