Fuel Cleveland is an effort to bring together motorcycle art, culture and design. In existences for just 3 years, the annual event has become huge.
Cleveland has always been a center of transportation manufacturing, with the famed ‘Cleveland’ motorcycles being produced between 1902 and 1929.
Today the name has been revived by the Cleveland Cycle Werks.
The show has a limited number of motorcycles inside, but is attended by thousands who arrive on their own bikes.
The collection on the street where we parked was better than most shows, and that was just the beginning.
As previously noted, art is a critical part of this show. This photographer specializes in using the old school camera, developing his own film. He came to the event from New York City.
Inside were some of the best bikes. The restorations are amazing.
While many are customized choppers.
Held in an old factory on the east side, the setting was perfect for this event.
Many of the custom jobs had death as a subject matter.
The art was mixed in throughout.
There were plenty of colorful people as well.
Your usual retro living room based on motorcycle parts.
Even the vendors had character.
While most of the bikes were Harley Davidson’s, I did come across a few others including this great old BMW.
Next up was the Skidmore Garage. A working garage specializing in old bikes, most were up on the stands for easier access.
This bike, called Junk and Disorderly used random, non traditional motorcycle parts. Note the seat is made out of an old tire.
The mix of the custom bikes and eclectic art of old gas tanks provides a good idea of the atmosphere in the Skidmore Garage.
The Detroit Brothers have an interesting approach to gas tank accessories.
Hells Angels softer side – a pink chopper.
There were numerous helmet design artists on hand.
Even the air cleaners looked cool.
This area of the east side of Cleveland was always an industrial neighborhood. While most of the industry has left, there are still a number of buildings remaining. The neighborhood definitely added to the gritty feel with the bikes.
The parking lot was packed with bikes and riders.
The classic winged Harley logo.
Old bikes and old factories – a perfect combination.
Even more – bikes everywhere.
Lining the tree lawns along the street.
A sweet cherry red chopper by itself in front of the building across the street.
Welcome to Cleveland.
By now we were dog tired and headed home, just not in a dog chariot – we took the car.
RDZ Photography 