Source: MotorcyclistOnline.com
Although technically distinct events, Mama Tried wouldn’t be the same without the Flat Out Friday races. Maclain “The Bear” Drucker (24) holds off Daniel Bromley (64) in the AA (Pro) races. (Cathy Drexler/)Since 2014, the Mama Tried Motorcycle Show and the Flat Out Friday race have been a showcase for builder culture, custom bikes, and lighthearted mayhem. It’s not everyone’s cuppa, as the English say. Some folks huff and puff about the pointlessness of choppers and custom bikes and the rowdy atmosphere. It’s not that they’re wrong. They’re just not partying correctly.For the less dogmatic among us, it’s a welcome break from the Midwest winter and a great excuse to party in Cream City (aka Milwaukee). It’s about imagination and engineering running riot in flake paint and TIG welding. Calling Mama Tried a “chopper show” is only half right. There are also EVs, ‘70s survivors, Franken-bikes, and plenty of real dirt and patina. Plus, dozens of hopeful vendors with parts, accessories, gadgets, and new gear.It all kicks off with the Flat Out Friday races at Fiserv Arena. It’s usually clad in a parquet floor for the NBA’s Milwaukee Bucks. But one night every year, aspiring racers and various ne’er-do-wells fill the arena with exhaust fumes and lay down rubber on the Dr Pepper syrup-prepared surface. Last year was a hoot, but this year brought out even finer costumery and livery concepts. Tea time while racing? That’s rich.Photographer Cathy Drexler has been shooting the event since 2016. What’s her take on Mama Tried?“It’s a uniquely Milwaukee experience that has a happy way of bringing us together over our love of bikes.”Truer words were never spoken. So take a load off, grab a cold one, and check out the 2024 edition of Mama Tried and Flat Out Friday in glorious color and pixels.Flat Out Friday always brings high class and fashion in equal measure. (Cathy Drexler/)James “Jimbo” DeLisle (963) boxes out Dan “Dangerous Dan” Jacobson (39) in the Masters class, Flat Out Friday. (Cathy Drexler/)An unidentified future 50cc champion holds their own on the track, Flat Out Friday. (Cathy Drexler/)Kaleb Zink (15) applies Team Green grit to his orange Harley-Davidson in the Vintage class, Flat Out Friday. (Cathy Drexler/)Where my zip-ties at? Donovan LeVan’s BSA puts power (and pipe) to pavement in the Vintage class, Flat Out Friday. (Cathy Drexler/)Conflict of interest? Andrew Clark (52) and an unidentified race official team up on the parade lap, Flat Out Friday. (Cathy Drexler/)An unidentified rider in the Electric class puts on a clinic in Wheelie 101, Flat Out Friday. (Cathy Drexler/)Stiles Smillie (39) gives a post-victory interview after his 65cc class win, Flat Out Friday. (Cathy Drexler/)Will race for bananas. Or a monkey. Get it? A Goofball class rider navigates the balloon drop, Flat Out Friday. (Cathy Drexler/)Pass the Grey Poupon, please. Ronnie and Stephanie Sunker race (and dine) during the Goofball class, Flat Out Friday. (Cathy Drexler/)A fan (or member?) of legendary art-rock band the Residents adds to the atmosphere in the Goofball class, Flat Out Friday. (Cathy Drexler/)Successful Racer 101: Brand yourself with a sombrero. Jake “Wiscompton” Averill (69) competes in the Boonie class, Flat Out Friday. (Anders T. Carlson/)Rocket Altmann (5) patiently waits for tires to hook up as he pursues Ryder “Radical Rider” Ewert in the 85/125cc 4-Stroke class, Flat Out Friday. (Anders T. Carlson/)A remarkable period Honda CB160 “sloper” chopper shows off patina and charm, Mama Tried Show. (Cathy Drexler/)A 2000 Buell 1200 with a hand-built frame incorporating a monocoque spine and engine as a stressed member, Mama Tried Show. (Anders T. Carlson/)A side-valve 1953 Harley-Davidson KR build, Mama Tried Show. (Anders T. Carlson/)Pedigree, indeed. A 1927 Brough Superior SS100, owned by George Brough himself, Mama Tried Show. (Anders T. Carlson/)Lord love a triple. A 1973 Triumph Trident engine finds second life in this old-school chopper, Mama Tried Show. (Anders T. Carlson/)Minimal comfort, maximum style: Rigid frame, Invader wheels, panhead-engine custom, Mama Tried Show. (Anders T. Carlson/)Proof that any motorcycle belongs at this show: Chad Holm’s tattoo of his custom Honda CB360T show entrant, Mama Tried Show. (Anders T. Carlson/)It’s not all V-twins and raked-out builds. Behold, an Aprilia R125, Mama Tried Show. (Anders T. Carlson/)One of three EV bikes at Mama Tried, a Stark Future Varg. (Anders T. Carlson/)The whole shebang: the Mama Tried Show, as seen from the balcony. (Anders T. Carlson/)A 1924 Henderson Deluxe with sidecar, as autographed by several hundred Mama Tried showgoers. (Anders T. Carlson/)A rebel among rebels: a 1974 Honda CB750 chopper, Mama Tried Show. (Cathy Drexler/)LA-based artist David Cole’s 2010 KTM 690 Enduro R, complete with Mojave Desert mud, dirt, and patina, Mama Tried Show. (Cathy Drexler/)An Al Hackel–designed chopper using a Wright R-975-46 helicopter engine from World War II, Mama Tried Show. (Cathy Drexler/)Proven miles and untold memories with patches to prove it, Mama Tried Show. (Cathy Drexler/)You dig? The 1967 Harley-Davidson panhead digger concept known as “Horny Diggerson,” Mama Tried Show. (Cathy Drexler/)
