For 15 years now Thor Drake, owner-operator of See See Motorcycles in Portland, OR, has been internet hosting the venerable One Moto Present. By all accounts, the 2024 version of the customized motorcycle-centric competition was an enormous success attracting among the greatest crowds since its inception in 2009.
As we speak we’re sitting down with Thor to study a bit in regards to the man, the evolution of the occasion, and what the long run has in retailer for the One Moto Present.
“The One Bike Present has grown to be North America’s largest customized bike present, attracting hundreds of bike fans, builders, and artists from world wide to Portland annually. With a concentrate on creativity, individuality, and the spirit of motorcycling, the present has turn out to be a must-attend occasion for everybody.” – the1moto.com
Please inform us a bit about your self and the function bikes have performed in your life.
Hello, I’m Thor. I like lengthy rides on the seaside, huge jumps, and going quick… kidding. If i haven’t misplaced your consideration by now. I’m an outsider to the bike world. I snuck in by way of a secret portal left open by the Orange County Chopper motion.
I obtained into dirtbikes at round age 15 as a result of my finest good friend rising up rode and we did all the pieces collectively. I obtained the style of it and couldn’t ignore it. I’ll spare you the sappy love story with bikes and preserve it to a minimal by saying this… Because of bikes I’ve been everywhere in the world and met probably the most fascinating folks, constructed a enjoyable profession, met my spouse, and have bikes stuffed in each nook of my life. Bikes are good.
What was your authentic idea and thought for the One Moto Present?
First, you get one bike.
You then develop out of that one so that you get a second bike.
You then get curious since you see different bikes on the market, so that you attempt these.
You then notice what sort of bike you want.
You then attempt to discover a bike that has all the pieces you need in a motorcycle to no satisfaction
You then attempt to construct that bike with no success, or possibly success but it surely creates the components throughout.
You then notice you’re chasing an thought… The ONE Moto.
Rapidly you’re an skilled.
For many who can’t attend, what can guests to the One Moto Present count on to see?
Magic. Do you need to journey again in time to a world the place everybody involves have fun bike tradition? Every thing from stunt reveals, to reside music, mini bike racing, good emotions, and FUN, yup enjoyable. That’s the reason we begin driving and we typically want slightly reminder. Bikes are enjoyable. The One Moto Present is a spot to be part of that enjoyable regardless of who you’re.
What number of bikes had been there within the first yr of the present in comparison with this yr?
The primary yr we had about 60, now now we have over 300. All varieties of bikes are celebrated, shit even a couple of vehicles with bikes strapped to them got here. Annually, we goal to discover a cross-cut of bikes that characterize what we predict is thrilling on the planet of bikes. The cool factor about doing a present for 15 years is quite a lot of builders have began due to the present. Perhaps coming as a curious attendee;l then quick ahead 5 years they usually’re now a acknowledged builder.
What are among the belongings you’ve seen change or evolve within the scene over the 15 years of operating the present?
What’s the saying, the one factor fixed is change… or I’d say “motion”.
Annually we attempt to reinvent ourselves. We hearken to what folks, sponsors, and companions, are saying and attempt to do our greatest to deal with it in our means. The largest factor I spotted is the present is a motion, some folks path off simply as new ones are discovering it, or getting concerned. The Present is a river for folks to get entangled with bikes. It’s solely necessary for those who suppose it’s. We predict it’s.
Are you able to share a couple of recollections from previous reveals which have caught with you?
Yearly one thing occurs that offers me a brand new life lesson. Be it good or unhealthy. I really like Bike Folks. There’s all the time a way of vulnerability, which creates some lovely and awkward moments. Final yr I used to be watching everybody fortunately dancing to a Queen cowl band mid-show. As a promoter and form of humorous dude, I like so as to add a juxtaposition to the present. It’s like powerful bike dudes toe-tapping to “We Will Rock You.” That’s an sudden win for me.
Why do you are feeling the One Moto Present has resonated so effectively with the customized bike group?
It’s actual. Yearly I take part as a builder, artist, and attendee in addition to placed on the occasion. The participant view of the present helps me keep enthusiastic about it and jogs my memory mid-stress that that is for enjoyable. Retains my perspective in examine. Does that make sense? I don’t need to be the man placing on the present. I simply needed to be a man in a present exhibiting off his bike, no occasions hit that for me so I made a present that I assumed was what I needed. Now I’m caught… in a great way.
What has the assist from bike producers been like?
Good, final yr… nice. I all the time say it. If OEMs need to promote extra bikes they should get extra folks racing, customizing, and destroying bikes. Within the course of, you’ll construct an even bigger business.
How are the winners of the present chosen?
It adjustments annually however the fundamentals are this. The awards are supposed to be enjoyable, not like a severe “if I don’t win I’m gonna cry ” kind of state of affairs. I imply who would need to win the “polished turd award?”
Did you could have a private favourite this yr?
Each bike within the present was massively higher than the primary One Present’s finest bikes. The caliber of bikes is insane as of late. The winners of awards are all standouts and I’ll say that they obtained awards for a cause.
And eventually, what plans do you could have for subsequent yr’s present?
Which One … trace trace. Jk. I don’t know but. I want a second to catch my breath. However will probably be, like yearly, MAGIC.
Pictures by Eric Jutras
Trending Merchandise
