10 years on... Some reflection on Flight Cycles

[Duck-Stew]

First off, I'm fine and doing well.  Thank you.  I was perusing some photos yesterday and it occurred to me that the above three bikes were once in my beat-to-hell Chevy van driving home from the L.A. Calendar bike show in Long Beach in 2007.  Yep.  Roughly $90K worth of customs, paraphernalia & swag in a $2100 Chevy.  I didn't mind stopping for some tacos in a semi-rough part of Long Beach that night (still parked the van close to the door BTW) and had to chuckle to myself that If I had chosen a pick-up truck, I likely wouldn't be able to enjoy dinner for all the worry about the contents of the bed. 

I had fun.  A LOT of fun.  I've met the most amazing people after doing all this crazy Monster-related crap.  Amazing people who to this day bring joy into my life and a sense of purpose.  I built the business without a business model and funded it with some inheritance $ I had.  I just knew it was what I had to do.  I didn't have any goals, per se.  Just wanted to let my creative juices flow through me and onto some motorcycles was all.  Such great, great memories I have from all of it.

When 2008's economic down-turn laid in heavy, I had to get a day-job.  I had just expanded and hired a mechanic friend but had to, kinda, let him fly on his own (if he could as I couldn't).  I was also pretty much burned out.  Couple that with the ***NEW*** 696-style Monsters (which I'm still not a fan of), and I was truly ready to hang it up.  The above isn't that all I've built, just the 'Big 3' in my mind.  I hung the business up officially in 2012 when I completed my last build (I'll see if I can find a photo of it somewhere and post it up).

From top to bottom:
M1000SS
SS2R
Coup D'etat (which is the one I miss the most)

Life is good now, after having moved out of the SoCal scene in 2010.  I ended up back in Albuquerque, NM (where I've decided is my real home (sorry Detroit  It's just too hard to visit anymore)).  I've got a day-job now and a lot of responsibility too.  I still manage to turn a wrench or two from time to time (www.desertdesmo.com) when work and my personal life allow.  I've got a few more crazy-as-f*ck ideas in my head for custom Ducati's.  Just no time right now.  Perhaps I should make time, I don't know.

From the bottom of my heart, thanks to all who made my personal ride the crazy-as-f*ck one it has been.  I know a lot of the "old timers" aren't here anymore, but if you remember any of this crap, post up.  I've been feeling a bit sentimental lately.  If this is new to you, enjoy the reflection in the rear-view.

Kindest regards and thanks for spending time reading this nonsense,
--Stuart

[greenmonster]

 

[Howie]

Spidey still have the Monster?  No pic of the Cafe Racer?  For whatever reason that is my favorite.

[Duck-Stew]

Spidey still have the Monster?  No pic of the Cafe Racer?  For whatever reason that is my favorite.

As far as I know, yes.
I didn't forget the CR, just that the three biggest builds got listed.  Technically, the CR was already built when I started Flight Cycles.  Either way, here ya go:

[Grampa]

all three.... have been left unattended in my possession for a brief period of time 

[Grampa]

To this day... Michelle still gives me shit for being excited that both you and Nate were actually staying our house the day of the wedding. 

[koko64]

Thanks for sharing this story.

[ducpainter]

To this day... Michelle still gives me shit for being excited that both you and Nate were actually staying our house the day of the wedding. 

Probably still gives you shit for inviting us.

There's been a lot of water over the dam. My business is gone too.

It's still fun.

[Grampa]

Only because you left with Z before she could steal him away from you.

[lethe]

I feel life is about the stories and I'm happy to have read along as many here have crafted some of the stories in their lives and watch eagerly for the stories yet to be told.

[ducpainter]

Only because you left with Z before she could steal him away from you.

She had another chance...he wasn't quite as cute 8 years later though.

He's getting big.

[herm]

Stew,

I have watched and read about your adventures for the better part of 15 years. Might have even bought some leftover parts from you somewhere along the way...

I would be jealous if I wasn't having such a good time too! 

[Duck-Stew]

Stew,

I have watched and read about your adventures for the better part of 15 years. Might have even bought some leftover parts from you somewhere along the way...

I would be jealous if I wasn't having such a good time too! 

I think you bought some parts...  Don't remember too well all the ins-n-outs.

Glad we're both enjoying the trip!

[booger]

I remember SS2R, my favorite Flight Cycle. My favorite Monster in truth.

[pitbull]

I remember when all 3 bikes were first created and pics posted and really appreciating the creativity and finished product. I'm not sure I could pic a favourite, but I always really loved the paint scheme on the m1000ss.