Posted by Brian on 11/5/2011
to Manifesto
That's how long we have been around. Not really that long, but there is a density to those three years. It's almost like every element of the last 30 has been compressed......the the good, the bad, the hard, the fun, the absolute shit and the reward, into some sort of rock-hard pure element. The resulting combination of satisfaction, nostalgia, gratitude, and sense of responsibility prompt me to write this. I am a sorta buzzed, so this will be wordy and also profane, as I love both. So, if you think you'll roll your eyes, either click away or read on. I hope you read on.
Being an adult and at least outwardly, a responsible one, I rarely get to express the deep, deep feelings and commitment I have to this "project". To try and explain how motorcycles have influenced me, allowed me to travel the world, meet people you read about, make a shitload of money, see things I would have never dreamed of, and oh and by the way, literally save my fucking life, would sound made up. I am not bragging and I do not take this for granted. It is a ridiculously privileged journey, to the point I feel guilty talking about it. But trust me, I have come farther, from lower, to higher, with less talent, and more good luck, than you can ever imagine.
That is why I did this. Atomic-Moto was never a deliberation, it is the only choice. Really, I kinda feel I owe this to someone, or something...I do not know who, but I feel it is the only path I have in life. And not because I don't have the talent to do anything else....hell, anything else would be easier.
You see, the motorcycle industry is in a tailspin. It is far worse off than the general economy, about half the size of what it was 10, even 5, years ago. As a business decision, starting a business in this industry is pure madness. Pure fiscal stupidity. I don't care, my mission was always clear: to do this, in this town, at this time, and by my guidelines.
Please note the "my way" part is not self-indulgent, it is the most critical part of this rant. I am kinda frustrated with some facets of our industry and the business world in . To try and explain specifics of this is difficult, but generally it centers around people being disingenuous to stretch a buck into a buck ten. I, we, are not willing to bend reality, behavior, ethics, and truth to promote ourselves. That is a weakness that I will exceed. And if you think this is quaint, that we are not serious, or that we cannot maintain our integrity and still compete, fuck you, you're wrong.
Hoo, boy. Getting a little fired up there. Sorry. I've been advised to get this on a positive track.
It takes a lot of effort to keep the wheels on this wagon, and that effort comes from a long list of vendors, customers, consultants, confidants, counselors, and friends. I will not miss the opportunity to thank or acknowledge them for their role. So...here goes:
Thanks to those who supported or believed in us from an early stage. This includes, in no particular order: Kenny Safford, Jim Stroupe, Tim Williams, Bob Rathkamp, Sara Egan, everyone at AXO.
There are a few customers that have been ridiculously loyal and supportive to us, in an economy where that is rare. I will not mention your names here, instead I will call you and personally thank you. Your support is more than monetary, it is the emotional fuel that feels us going.
Thanks to my local crew for hanging out with me. PK, EJ, JP, JS, KD, JS, JJ, probably a few I forgot. Truly a great group of human beings, I am fortunate to know you.
Thanks to my "team"...people that I love and who have steered me through life: Mark Stepovich, Don Gonzales, Robert Keathley, Rob Salcedo, Brian Butler, David Weber, Hubbard, and Phil Ammendolia.
Limitless thanks to Pete, Geoff, and especially, especially Greg. I can never, ever, repay you for how much you have done for me.
Thanks to Bend, Oregon for being the greatest place on the planet. I will repay you one day.
Thanks to Doug Henry, Steve McQueen, Warren Zevon, and Steve Jobs for showing me what it is like to seize life. I still don't really get it, but I am trying.
Thanks to my wife and my family for purpose. No words equal the power that flows from your existence.
Finally, thanks to Mickey Rupp and the 1969 Rupp Goat for starting this all for me.
BP
Lead BOMBER
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